Pittsburgh Pirates: The Door Closed on the 2017 Draft

2 of 3

In the world of baseball, the MLB Draft is an event that stirs excitement and anticipation like no other. For teams, it's a chance to replenish their farm systems with the young, raw talent that will hopefully lead them to future championships. Fans eagerly watch as their favorite organizations make selections, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next superstar. The Pittsburgh Pirates 2017 draft class, at the time, appeared to be a beacon of hope, promising to inject new life into a farm system that needed it at the time.

The 2017 MLB Draft arrived with high hopes and great expectations for the Pirates. Armed with a first-round pick, competitive balance selections, and supplemental picks, the organization had a unique opportunity to shape its future. This draft class was seen as a pivotal moment in the Pirates' ongoing quest to return to the pinnacle of baseball. Fans and analysts alike were optimistic that the team would secure a group of young talents capable of revitalizing the franchise and bringing it back to its glory days.

However, as we look back on that fateful draft class, the rosy expectations have faded, and a sobering truth emerges – the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2017 draft class was nothing short of a disaster. What was meant to be a turning point in the team's fortunes turned out to be a missed opportunity that left fans questioning the decision-making process and the future of the organization. Let's delve deeper into the disappointments and missed potentials that characterized this ill-fated draft class.

Shane Baz: A Lost Gem

Let's start with their first-round pick, Shane Baz. Selected 12th overall, Baz was seen as a potential ace pitcher who could anchor the Pirates' rotation for years to come. However, before he even had the chance to make a single appearance in a Pirates uniform, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in the deal that brought Chris Archer to Pittsburgh. Obviously, we all know how the pitchers in this deal worked out, as Baz became one of the best pitching prospects in Baseball and Archer found himself on the cusp of out of Baseball.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had 3 other selections on day 1 of the 2017 draft.

Stephen Jennings: A Forgotten Name

Competitive balance pick Stephen Jennings was another disappointment from the 2017 draft class. Jennings, a right-handed pitcher, never lived up to the hype and was eventually no longer part of the Pirates' organization. His journey through the minors was marred by inconsistency and injuries, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Connor Uselton: A Short-Lived Career

Supplemental B pick, outfielder Connor Uselton, looked to be a really intriguing prospect out of the Draft. However, his minor league career was cut short after just 45 games. Uselton's decision to give up baseball after a series of injuries. This was a tough blow to the Pittsburgh Pirates, as they had hoped he would develop into a key contributor.

Cal Mitchell: The Last Straw

Perhaps the final nail in the coffin for the 2017 draft class was the departure of second-round pick Cal Mitchell. The Bucs dfa'd the lefty-hitter this past weekend. Mitchell, an outfielder, was the last of the top picks from that class to be moved on from by the Pirates. While he showed potential, the organization decided to part ways with him, signaling the ultimate disappointment of the entire class. Mitchell had several chances to make it at the Big League level with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, in just over 200 at-bats over the last two seasons, Mitchell has a batting average of .222 and an OPS of .627.

In retrospect, the 2017 draft class for the Pittsburgh Pirates will be remembered as a missed opportunity. High hopes were placed on these young, prep talents, but for various reasons, they failed to deliver the expected results. The departure of key players like Baz, Jennings, Uselton, and Mitchell serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that come with scouting and developing young talent in the world of baseball.

As Pirates fans, we must remain optimistic about the future and hope that future draft classes will bring the success that eluded the 2017 class. Baseball is a game of highs and lows, and while this draft class was undoubtedly a low point, it's essential to remember that brighter days may be on the horizon.

Home / Pirates News