With the 2016 MLB Draft now over, its time to take a way too early look back at some of this year’s picks. In baseball, more so than in any other sport, prospects carry a great deal of uncertainty with them to the next level. Even first round picks can take years to develop, and most draft picks never reach the majors at all. It could take years before anyone really knows how well any team did in the 2016 draft.
That said, it does no harm to give the draft a quick review right now. After a very good 2015 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates found themselves with the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft. Not an exceptionally high pick, but still high enough to perhaps grab a talent that could crack the major league lineup within the next couple years. The question is, did they do it? Let’s take a look at the Pirates first three draft picks.
Pittsburgh Pirates 2016 Draft Review
Round 1, Pick 22 Overall: Will Craig, Third Base, Wake Forrest University
In Craig, the Pirates may have landed one of the best, if not the best, pure right-handed bats in the draft. With the lumber in his hands, Craig features terrific bat speed, and makes good, solid contact on the ball. Not only will he hit for high average, but his power is legit. There is little reason to think he won’t consistently hit twenty-plus home runs per season at the Major League level. He also sees the strike zone well and has exceptional plate discipline, leading to a very low strikeout rate. Craig’s bat alone could make him an All-Star one day.
Like any prospect, Craig isn’t all upside. While he has the ability to play first base, third base, and even corner outfield in a pinch, he’s a below average defender overall. In addition, he lacks athleticism and speed. He offers nothing on the basepaths, and many believe he won’t be able to stick at third long term. It’s likely that he’ll eventually have to move over to first base, possibly even before he reaches the Majors.
Way-Too-Early Grade: A
Lottery Round A, Pick 41 Overall: Nick Lodolo, LHP Damien High School
Lodolo ranked as the 78th-best prospect in the draft on Baseball America‘s pre-draft list, so a first glance this might seem like a bit of a reach. Nothing egregious, but there is a lot of risk here. Lodolo is young, just 18 years old. Like most young pitchers, he’s inconsistent. His curveball shows promise but needs work. His fast ball has touched 93 mph, but tends to sit in the high-80s.
The Pirates interest in Lodolo is all about his potential. A 6’6” lefty is a projectable creature, and the Pirates are gambling that his size and raw ability will translate into a quality starter down the road. He will probably need several years in the minors to develop. Though he’s committed to TCU, he shouldn’t be hard for Pittsburgh to sign after drafting him so high.
Way-Too-Early Grade: B-
Round 2, Pick 68 Overall: Travis MacGregor, RHP, East Lake High School
If the Lodolo pick had a whiff of a reach to it, then this absolutely reeks of one. MacGregor was ranked as Baseball America’s 186th-best prospect going into the draft, and the Pirates nabbed him at 68. Every team values prospects differently, so perhaps Pittsburgh simply sees something in him that others weren’t looking for.
That isn’t to say MacGregor doesn’t have any ability. His fastball can touch 94 MPH and he could still add more velocity. He also features two good secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. Still, if the Pirates really wanted MacGregor, he probably would have been available later in the draft. Of course, his commitment to Clemson might have made him hard to sign if he had been taken in a later round. That likely won’t be a problem now.
Way-Too-Early Grade: C+
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