How National Analysts Grade Pirates Draft

After making 21 selections in 20 rounds across the three-day event, the Pittsburgh Pirates draft is now in the books.

The Pirates drafted prep shortstop Konnor Griffin from Jackson Prep in Mississippi the first round — ninth overall. Griffin was the rated as the top high school prospect in this year’s class and was the first prep player off the board.

Including Griffin, five of the Pirates’ draft picks came from the high school ranks and 16 came from college. The Pirates selected eight right-handed pitchers, three left-handed pitchers, two catchers, four shortstops, a third baseman and three outfielders.

Although it won’t be known for years how successful the Pirates draft ends up being, here are the initial reports on how Ben Cherington and the Bucs fared.

CBS Sports: A

R.J. Anderson for CBS Sports gave the Pirates draft an ‘A’ — one of 11 teams to earn the best grade possible.

Anderson highlights the Pirates’ top three selections in Griffin, prep righty Levi Sterling and high school shortstop Wyatt Sanford as intriguing selections with upside as young players.

In addition to the top three of the draft, CBS Sports notes that the Pirates took a pair of college players early on in day two in Wake Forest left-hander Josh Hartle and Clemson outfielder Will Taylor. Both had disappointing 2024 seasons but both were viewed as potential first-rounders coming out of high school. Hartle was viewed as a possible first-rounder coming into his junior season.

Bleacher Report: B+

Bleacher Report didn’t justify its rankings with a team-by-team breakdown, but only four teams — the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Royals and Nationals — were rated higher with a host of other teams also receiving a B+ grade.

The Pirates draft was not considered Bleacher Report’s best draft, worst draft or most intriguing draft. Those distinctions went to the Diamondbacks, Astros and Orioles, respectively.

SB Nation: A

Upside, upside and more upside from the Pirates draft for Gaurav Vedak and SB Nation.

While he notes a high level of risk, Gaurav believes Griffin could prove to be an “absolute win” for the Pirates at No. 9. He also mentions the other early prep picks and a handful of intriguing collegiate selections, including Hartle (third round) and Taylor (fifth round).

The Pirates are one of three National League teams to receive an ‘A,’ along with the Reds and Rockies.

Other Notes

• MLB.com said the Pirates ninth-round selection of infielder Duce Gourson from UCLA was one of the best picks of day two of the draft.