Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Two 2023 Draft Picks Making Strong First Impressions

First impressions are everything, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have seen these two 2023 draft picks get off to a great start to their professional careers

First impressions are everything. Many 2023 draft picks are now making their professional debuts, and that includes the Pittsburgh Pirates. While first overall pick and record setting signing bonus right-hander Paul Skenes has yet to debut, a few of the Pirates’ draft picks have now played a few games as professional ball players, and two have made great first impressions throughout their first few games.

First one I want to look at is their second round pick, Mitch Jebb. Jebb attended Michigan State University, and batted .337/.438/.495 through 241 plate appearances. Jebb is all about contact hitting, drawing walks, and stealing bases. The infielder drew 32 walks (13.3% BB%), while only striking out 28 times (11.6% strikeout rate). Jebb also took 14 stolen bases. Jebb only has played in six contest for Bradenton with 29 plate appearances. He’s already collected 11 hits (two doubles), while only striking out once and drawing one walk. He also has two stolen bases, including going from second to home on a wild pitch.

Jebb has manned shortstop in all his games as a member of the Pirates. He certainly has the speed to handle the position, but lacks a strong arm, which could move him to second base or even center field. Jebb has little home run power, but does have some gap driving power. His hit tool is the best weapon in his arsenal.

The next player is Charles McAdoo. McAdoo was the organization's 13th round pick out of San Jose State University. During his final season, McAdoo batted .325/.409/.543 with ten home runs throughout 269 plate appearances. He also walked a decent amount of times with an 11.9% walk rate, as well as only striking out 15.2% of the time. McAdoo has only appeared in three games, but has five hits in 13 plate appearances. Even better is the fact he’s drawn three walks with only one strikeout.

McAdoo projects as a utility man with a good bat. He played every position throughout his college career, aside from pitcher and catcher. McAdoo is primarily a second baseman, however we could see him take up some innings at first base and left field in the future. The bat will be the real prize here, and he already proved he can hit with a wood stick, slashing .305/.364/.575 in the Northwoods Summer League.

It's nice to see these two prospects start off their careers as professional ballplayers with a bang. While it's too early to make conclusions as to if they will be super impactful Major Leaguers, let's just appreciate that they've done so well in their first few games.