Pittsburgh Pirates: The Five Previous First Overall Selections

With the MLB Draft fast approaching on July 9th, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves holding the coveted first overall pick once again. Over the years, the Pirates have had the opportunity to select exceptional talent at the top of the draft and have had mixed results. As fans and analysts eagerly await the selection, let's take a look back at the previous first-overall picks made by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This group includes Henry Davis, Gerrit Cole, Bryan Bullington, Kris Benson, and Jeff King.

1. Henry Davis (2021):
Henry Davis, a talented catcher, was selected as the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2021 MLB Draft. Hailing from the University of Louisville, Davis quickly gained recognition for his exceptional defensive skills and powerful bat. His ability to control the game behind the plate, handle pitchers effectively, and throw out baserunners made him a highly coveted prospect, in a Draft class that had no clear-cut #1 pick. Also, the team was able to save money against the Bonus Pool to make impactful later selections.

Offensively, Davis possesses tremendous raw power and an advanced approach at the plate. His compact swing generates both line drives and home runs, making him a threat in any lineup. With a keen eye for pitch recognition and the ability to make adjustments, Davis consistently puts together quality at-bats. He has made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates and is off to a good start batting .296 through his first 15 career games.

2. Gerrit Cole (2011):
Gerrit Cole, one of the most successful first overall picks in Pirates' history, was chosen with the top selection in the 2011 MLB Draft. The right-handed pitcher showcased remarkable talent throughout his collegiate career at UCLA, and his skills translated seamlessly to the professional level.

Cole's arsenal features a blazing fastball that often touches the upper 90s, complemented by a devastating slider and a sharp curveball. His ability to command the strike zone and induce swings and misses made him a formidable force on the mound. During his tenure with the Pirates, Cole consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts, displaying his dominance and establishing himself as an ace. Here were his overall numbers with the Pittsburgh Pirates:

• Record: 59-42
• ERA: 3.50
• Innings Pitched: 782.1
• Strikeouts: 816

Gerrit Cole emerged as a dominant force in the Pirates' rotation during his tenure with the team. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeouts and showcased his ability to control the game on the mound. Cole would be traded to the Houston Astros following the 2017 season.

3. Bryan Bullington (2002):
Bryan Bullington was the first overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2002 MLB Draft. As a right-handed pitcher out of Ball State University, he showcased promising potential, which led to high expectations from the organization and fans alike.

• Record: 1-9
• ERA: 5.62
• Innings Pitched: 81.1
• Strikeouts: 53

Bryan Bullington's career with the Pirates did not meet the high expectations set for a first-overall pick. He struggled with injuries and had limited success during his time with the team, making a small impact on the pitching staff. Of course, then General Manager Dave Littlefield did say that he believed Bullington would make "a good third starter". So yeah he probably should not have been the top overall selection.

While Bullington's professional career didn't pan out as anticipated, his journey serves as a reminder of the inherent uncertainty in player development. Despite facing challenges, Bullington demonstrated perseverance and contributed to the Pirates' pitching staff during his time with the team. His story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the MLB Draft.