Pittsburgh Pirates: Zander Mueth Signs on Over-slot Deal

With a deal finally in place, the Pittsburgh Pirates have officially signed right-handed pitcher Zander Mueth on and over-slot deal worth $1.8 million.

Jim Callis, a senior writer for MLB Pipeline first reported today that right-handed pitcher, Zander Mueth from Belleville East HS, Illinois has offically signed on an over-slot deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $1.8 million. He was the Pirates 2nd round supplemental pick and was selected 67th overall in this years draft.

The slot value at pick 67 was worth just over $1.1 million. The money the Pirates saved by signing Paul Skenes first overall helped get Zander Mueth's deal in order. Skenes signed for $9.2 million a few days prior which was about $500,000 less than the slot value. This gave Ben Cherington and company more wiggle room to get Mueth to his asking price.

Zander Mueth is often compared to Tanner Houck because of his low arm slot delivery. He has a sinker that ranges from 92-94mph that has reached up to 97mph. He also has a plus slider that sits in the slow 80s. If he can improve his changeup and add some more velocity to his fastball, he could be a very nice addition to this farm system. This years draft was focused soley on imporiving the pitching depth in the organzation and by now adding Mueth into the mix, they have done just that.