Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Polls

105th Overall:

Pirates Breakdown – Matthias Dietz

He wasn’t my personal choice for this pick, but Dietz got the clear majority of the staff vote. Being regarded as the best JUCO pitcher in the draft will do that though. Dietz has already worked heavily on developing a changeup. The only issue concerns are his control and ability to be effective with his pitchers, all just above-average selections. Dietz is unlikely to go before the Pirates make their third round selection. This is the area where all the best position players are gone, so the Pirates could and should look to grab a pitcher, rather than overdrafting for a position player. They should have plenty to pick from, including my personal choice for this pick Mason Thompson, who I profiled as being like Tyler Glasnow.

Twitter Polls – Mason Thompson

It was the Tyler Glasnow comparison, right? It’s good to know I’m not alone thinking Thompson is the clear dark horse candidate to emerge as one of the best pitching prospects in the minor leagues over the next couple years. While he clearly has talent, the Glasnow comparison also came from the fact that Thompson has struggled with control as well. If he can figure it out, much like the Pirates top prospect, Thompson could be a future top of the rotation star. If not, he will be an above-average back of the rotation starter.

135th Overall:

Pirates Breakdown – Tyler Fitzgerald

After a brief lapse from any outstanding choices in regards to position players, our staff felt the Pirates should target Tyler Fitzgerald, a prep shortstop who is unlikely to stay at the position but athletic enough to perform at third or even right field. He flashes plus speed at times and an ability to hit the ball to all fields depending on the situation. He was the Gatorade Player of the Year for Illinois, so the Pirates acquiring him in the fourth round would be quite the steal. Fitzgerald also shows good base stealing ability, although not always good instincts. His ability to make the majors is more uncertain than most of the players I profiled.

Twitter Polls – Cole Irvin

The Pirates tried to get the University of Oregon product in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft. Obviously, he made the right choice going back for his senior season to raise his draft stock. Irvin is expected to go in the early rounds, and he could have gone even higher if he didn’t project as having a low ceiling, high floor. If the Pirates agree with you and take Irvin, it’s because they hope he can become what Jeff Locke was supposed to be, a solid back of the rotation starter. Irvin is nothing flashy, but in a sport of uncertainties, taking the certain choice, however understated, could be the way to go.

Check back at 6pm for our live draft Q&A article.

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