New Name Emerges For Pirates in Latest MLB Pipeline Mock Draft

MLB Pipeline released another mock draft and this time, they have a new player being selected by the Pirates. After the majority of their predictions had the Bucs selecting Cal Poly shortstop Brooks Lee, Jonathan Mayo has the Pirates selecting Chipola Junior College third baseman Cam Collier with the fourth pick.

Collier is rated as Pipeline’s eight-best draft prospect in the class of 2022. He is regarded as a plus-hitter, with strong bat-to-ball skills and exceptional bat speed. Scouts believe that Collier has the ability to tap into his raw power potential and translate it to in-game.

He possess a strong arm, which fits his natural position of third base. Collier possesses enough athleticism to handle a corner outfield spot or first base since third-base is locked up for the long haul with Ke’Bryan Hayes.

One thing that makes Collier so appealing is his age. While he has a season under his belt in the JUCO ranks, Collier is just 17 years old and doesn’t turn 18 until November. His age makes him one of the youngest players available to be selected. Collier is the son of former Pirates player Lou Collier.

Collier fits the bill of what Ben Cherington has targeted in the first round in his first two drafts as Pirates general manager — a college bat. With his age, Collier’s upside may be even higher than that of Nick Gonzales or Henry Davis as he is one of the more interesting prospects available this season.

Pipeline also did mock projections for the Pirates second pick, which is 36th overall. They have the Bucs selecting high school left-hander Jackson Ferris, who is rated as the 17th overall prospect on Pipeline’s board. It would be a similar approach to last year’s draft with a college bat in the first round followed by a highly-regarded prep arm that fell into the Bucs lap and would take an over-slot deal to sign him.

The MLB draft will take place later this month, with day one coming on July 17.