Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Profile: Part 2

Cal Quantrill – RHP, Stanford University

“With the number one overall pick in the 2016 draft, the Philadelphia Phillies select Cal Quantrill, pitcher from Stanford University.” These are the words the son of former major leaguer Paul Quantrill could have heard next month had his progress not been derailed by Tommy John surgery three starts into his sophomore year. He was still named a preseason All-American by both Louisville Slugger and Baseball America, but just a month before the College World Series in Omaha, three weeks before the NCAA regionals tournament, and Stanford hovering around .500, Quantrill has yet to appear for the Cardinal.  Teams aren’t even certain if the Ontario native will be part of the majority who successfully return from Tommy John surgery. That doubt has sent Quantrill plummeting down draft boards instead of being whispered in the conversation for the top overall pick.

Now, Quantrill may not go until the early supplemental picks in the first round. He would be an absolute steal at 41 for the Pirates, but all signs point to him going just picks before, possibly to the Cardinals at 34, according to Baseball America. Prior to the surgery, Quantrill locates a low-to-mid-90s fastball well. He matches it with a slider with a decent late break, which could be at least major league average. He also features an absolutely dominant changeup capable of fooling hitters with ease.

Conclusion: I’m not saying the Pirates will or should take Quantrill at 22, but a pitcher with top of the rotation upside initially expected to go with one of the top overall picks could still be a steal if he can come back from his elbow injury/surgery. He would get plenty of help to that end in an organization with more experience than any in baseball in that area since 2010. With that said, there are plenty of safer bets for the Pirates to choose from, and they should only give Quantrill a serious look at 22 if they exhaust all other options first.

Let us know in the comments who you think the Pittsburgh Pirates should draft with the 22nd pick.

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