The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the 2026 MLB Draft with a massive opportunity, wielding a record-shattering $19,130,700 bonus pool. This financial flexibility shaped their strategy. It allowed Assistant GM Kevan Graves to navigate a board full of high-floor college performers. He also scouted high-ceiling prep talent. Some analysts gave the Day 1 haul a “C” grade for lacking a “superstar” ceiling. However, the Pirates focused on foundational skills. They also emphasized organizational “pillars”. In the big picture, this class focuses on depth and stability. The team used their 34th overall pick as a trade chip. This move acquired immediate MLB help in infielder Jacob Gonzalez.
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Derek Curiel (Round 1, Pick 5) – OF, LSU
The Pittsburgh Pirates surprised many by taking Derek Curiel fifth overall. He was generally ranked between 10th and 15th on major boards. A draft-eligible sophomore from LSU, Curiel slashed .349/.452/.522 over his college career. He is a classic hit-over-power prospect whose carrying tool is an elite left-handed swing with advanced barrel control.
Scouts rave about his 70-grade speed. They admire his polished routes in center field. They project him as a legitimate plus defender with a strong, accurate arm. He lacks elite bat speed. He doesn’t project for massive home run totals. However, he is a safe, high-floor player. He could anchor the top of a lineup. He fits the Pirates’ desire for athletic, versatile players who can impact the game on both sides of the ball.
Aiden Ruiz (Round 2, Pick 44) – SS, Stony Brook HS (NY)
Aiden Ruiz is arguably the best defensive shortstop in this draft class. Ruiz may be undersized, but he compensates with his switch-hitting ability. He is an elite defender with a plus arm. His range is great, and his footwork is future Gold Glove-caliber, according to scouts. In 2025, he proved his mettle by winning gold with Team USA’s U-18 team.
Offensively, Ruiz’s bat currently trails his glove. He makes a high volume of contact. He shows no fear against premium velocity. However, his 5’10”, 160-pound frame limits his power upside. Fans should be excited about his defensive floor. He is the type of player who makes spectacular acrobatic plays look routine.
Chris Rembert (Round 2, Pick 51) – 2B, Auburn
Chris Rembert was selected with the compensation pick for failing to sign Angel Cervantes last year. He brings an “instant impact” college bat to the system. Rembert led Auburn with a .343 average and 80 hits in 2026, finishing the season on a scorching 19-game hitting streak.
Scouts are enamored with his impressive bat speed. This suggests there is untapped power. He can achieve this by tweaking his swing to hit more fly balls. Defensively, he is viewed as an average second baseman with the speed to potentially transition to left field. He is a grinder who sticks to a consistent approach regardless of the pitcher.
Jason DeCaro (Round 3, Pick 80) – RHP, North Carolina
Jason DeCaro was the first pitcher taken by the Pirates. He is a 6’5″, 225-pound workhorse. He anchored UNC’s rotation during their run to the College World Series finals. In his junior season, he posted an 11-3 record with a 2.87 ERA and 99 strikeouts over 97.1 innings.
DeCaro’s fastball sits 91-94 mph, peaking at 97 mph, relying on generating weak contact rather than overpowering hitters. He possesses a full arsenal, including a slider, curveball, and a regressing but still effective changeup. He is a classic high-floor, durable starter who sequences his pitches well.
Day 2 Highlights & Later Rounds (Giles, Fay, Phelps)
The Pittsburgh Pirates spent 11 of their 16 Day 2 picks on college pitchers, seeking to stockpile arms.
- Andruw Giles (4.108): A prep outfielder from Nevada with “helium” who shows solid contact skills and above-average arm strength.
- Tyler Fay (6.169): A 6’5″ righty from Alabama who threw a no-hitter against Florida this past March and led the Crimson Tide with 127 strikeouts.
- Tre Phelps (9.258): A “thunderous bat” from Georgia who hit 19 home runs in 2026 and earned First Team All-American honors.
- Alex Overbay (8.228): The son of former Pirate Lyle Overbay, Alex features a fastball in the 95-97 mph range.
Summary
This 2026 class is a masterclass in risk management. The Pittsburgh Pirates targeted high-floor college stars like Curiel and DeCaro. They paired them with elite defensive specialists like Ruiz. This strategy has built a draft that provides a massive infusion of near-MLB-ready talent. It may lack a “supernova” prospect at the top. However, the Pirates’ farm system has a very high floor for the years to come. The sheer volume of high-quality arms and elite defenders ensures this.
