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

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Exciting times are ahead for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they hold the prestigious first overall pick in the upcoming 2023 Major League Baseball Draft, which is scheduled to take place on July 9th. This coveted selection presents a golden opportunity for the Pirates to secure a franchise player who could potentially shape their future and bring them back to their winning ways. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the Pirates' front office must carefully consider their options before making their decision.

The top three players at the forefront of the discussion for the Pirates' first overall pick are LSU outfielder Dylan Crews, LSU pitcher Paul Skenes, and Florida Gator outfielder Wyatt Langford. Each of these prospects brings a unique skill set and potential to the table, making the Pirates' decision a challenging one. Prep outfielders Walker Jenkins and Max Clarke are the top prep players in the Draft, I would not expect the Organization to go in that direction.

While it is easy to say take the best player available that will not be necessarily the case for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They will have multiple factors to consider when looking at each of the top prospects. Each prospects brings their own positives and negatives to the situation, let's start with LSU outfielder Dylan Crews.

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.

Wyatt Langford, the Florida Gator outfielder, brings a well-rounded skill set to the table. With his exceptional athleticism and solid hitting ability, Langford possesses the tools to excel both offensively and defensively. His versatility and athleticism make him an intriguing option for the Pirates, as he could also move quickly through the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization.

Langford holds a 55 Future Value on FanGraphs. This would put him as the #1 prospect in a lot of other drafts. I also had a National League scout tell me this past winter that he preferred Langford to Crews due to the projection of the bat. He mentioned that Langford shows a better launch angle along with more consistent exit velocity numbers. The last thing to consider with Langford is he would command the smallest bonus of the group.

While the decision-making process is undoubtedly challenging, the Pittsburgh Pirates must consider various factors before finalizing their pick. In addition to the players' skills, the Pirates must also weigh the potential signability of each prospect. The financial aspect of draft signings is a significant consideration as we saw in the 2021 Draft. The rumor is Crews is pushing for a slot or an above-slot deal.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are the only team to eclipse $16 million is bonus money to spend, giving them an advantage in a deep class.

The slot for pick 1.1 is about $9.7 million, which would dwarf the bonus record of $8.4 million set by Spencer Torkelson in 2020. When the Bucs took Davis with pick 1.1 they were able to save nearly $2 million in bonuses to use towards other top prospects such as Anthony Solometo. Langford could provide similar bonus savings in what is being considered a really deep draft class.

Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Pirates are at a crucial juncture in their franchise history, and the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft presents an incredible opportunity to acquire a player who could become the face of the team for years to come. As July 9th approaches, the Pirates' front office will undoubtedly figure out who they are going to take.

Personally, I want Crews, he is the best hitter who is the closest to making an impact at the Big League level. There is a lot to like about Skenes, but the highest pick Ben Cherington has ever used on a pitcher was when he was with the Blue Jays. The pick was at #28 overall and the selection was Nate Pearson. Since then, any Draft that Cherington has been in charge of has focused on hitters at the top. Lastly, Langford would represent a more strategic approach to the Draft all the while getting one of the best hitters in the draft.

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