Pittsburgh Pirates: An Early Three-Round Mock Draft

Competitive Balance Pick - Walker Martin

The Pittsburgh Pirates will have the 67th overall selection, and with that pick, I have the Pirates taking high school infielder Walker Martin. Martin is a product of Colorado and a very well-rounded player. According to MLB Pipeline, all five of his tools grade out as average or better. However, there isn't anything that stands out as elite in his game.

Martin was a two-sport star at his high school, Centennial State. Although he didn't originally get a chance to show what he could do against better competition because of football, he finally got the opportunity, and scouts believe he'll have decent power. Martin displayed decent bat speed, but at 6'2", 188 pounds, there's room for growth and additional physical power. Even though he faced better competition in a small sample size, he didn't have an issue catching up and squaring the ball off pitchers.

Martin is considered an average runner with above-average athleticism. He's also displayed solid defense at shortstop. However, given his physical projection, he might not last at shortstop long-term. But given his athleticism and arm that can play on the left side of the infield, he could see time at third, second, or an outfield spot. You also can't fully rule out shortstop, even if some don't project him to stay there.

Martin is a guy who could hit .260 with 20 home runs a year from a premium position. Ranked as MLB Pipeline's 73rd-best prospect, the infielder is currently projected to go in the early third round. However, he could definitely end up getting selected in the late second round. Either way, he's a high school position player that has a chance of being available when the Pirates are selecting in the competitive balance round B.