Login
New MLB Mock Draft Links Pirates to Mississippi Speedster with First-Round Pick
New MLB Mock Draft Links Pirates to Mississippi Speedster with First-Round Pick originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It has been an up-and-down season for the Pirates. While they were missing offense with a dominant pitching staff last year, things have flipped this season.
The offseason acquisitions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn have really paid off, as well as bringing up Konnor Griffin, but the stable of arms has struggled.
As of July 4, they hold a 44-45 record, which puts them in fourth place in the NL Central standings. So, while the team looks to close the gap, the front office is putting together its draft plans.
MORE:Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen signs with new MLB team
New mock draft links Pirates to blazing-fast prep slugger with No. 5 pick
The Pirates have become accustomed to having a high first-round draft pick over the years. Last year, they had the No. 6 pick, and this year, they are drafting one spot higher with the No. 5 pick.
There will be a handful of elite players available at that spot. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo believes Mississippi high school outfielder Eric Booth Jr. would be a great pick for the Buccos.
"The Pirates had success picking from the Mississippi high school ranks a couple of years ago (see Griffin, Konnor), and Booth does have serious tools," Mayo writes. "This could mostly be a discussion between the speed/athleticism/upside of Booth and the advanced college arm of [UC Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson] Flora."
Booth is one of the fastest players in this entire class, which surely helps him in the outfield, along with a solid arm.
Offensively, Booth has an unconventional left-handed setup, but he still mashes the ball because of his bat speed and strength, delivering impressive exit velocities.
The Pirates certainly could decide to take Flora, but Mayo slightly leans toward Booth being the pick for Pittsburgh.
