Pittsburgh Pirates: Considerations for the 2023 First Overall Pick Other than Skill

Dylan Crews, the LSU outfielder, has garnered considerable attention with his impressive performance in college baseball. Known for his exceptional bat speed and power, Crews has the ability to make an immediate impact at the plate. With his remarkable hitting ability and defensive prowess, Crews could be the dynamic offensive force the Pirates desperately need to bolster their lineup as soon as next year. One thing to consider with Crews is that on FanGraphs he has a 60 Future Value, and he is the only player to receive that grade. Obviously, this suggests that he is the best player in the Draft.

On the other hand, Paul Skenes, the LSU pitcher, has showcased tremendous talent on the mound. Armed with a powerful fastball and a devastating breaking ball, Skenes has dominated opposing hitters throughout his college career. Adding a top-tier pitching prospect like Skenes to their organization could significantly strengthen the Pirates' pitching rotation and provide a solid foundation for success in the years to come. The Pittsburgh Pirates cannot afford to go into free agency and sign this caliber starter so drafting Skenes may be the best bet to get a future ace.

This all sounds great but there should be some considerations when looking at the LSU ace. First and foremost, he threw a ton of pitches this year, which was well-documented during the College World Series. Second, as of now he mainly relies on his 100-mile-per-hour fastball and plus-plus slider but does not have much to offer with a third pitch. Also, consider the timeline of contention for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Could Skenes be in this rotation next season? Yes, but it is so hard to predict what might happen to a pitcher's arm. This is more of a big risk but a potentially big reward pick.