Underrated Pittsburgh Pirates draft picks from the 2024 class

Taylor Penn

It’s always cool when a team finds a potential diamond in the rough with a late-round pick. The Pirates’ 21st and final selection of the draft, Taylor Penn, has the potential to be that late-round diamond in the rough. The right-hander is young, but has a projectable frame, which he could still add more strength to.

Penn only averages out around 89-90 MPH, topping out at 92. He also throws the pitch with good spin direction and spin efficiency. His primary offspeed pitch is an upper-70s changeup, while he also throws a slider with similar velocity and a curveball in the mid-70s. Penn throws from a three-quarters arm slot, but what makes him interesting is his projectability. The right-hander is listed at 6’4”, 190 pounds. 

Penn will need to clean up his arm action. His fastball comes out of a different and lower arm slot than his slider. Penn is only 18 years old as well, which gives him time to add some strength and clean his mechanics up. He certainly has the frame to add some muscle and improve his velocity.

The question will be whether or not Penn signs. He is a late-round high school pick with a commitment to Western Kentucky University. But, if he does, he could be someone to watch over the coming seasons. He’s a young and projectable right-hander who is already hitting 90 MPH regularly. If he can improve his command and add a few ticks of speed to his stuff, Penn will be a good late-round steal.