MLB Draft Recap: Meet the Newest Bucs

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Baron Dionis. Follow him on Twitter @barondionis

The 2023 MLB Draft is complete. The Pirates had the first overall pick and selected Paul Skenes, a right handed pitcher out of Louisiana State University. Skenes was the big headline of the draft, but we can't forget about the other twenty players the Pirates selected. In total, the Pirates selected fourteen pitchers, five infielders, and two catchers. 

Paul Skenes | RHP

Paul Skenes is the headline of the entire 2023 MLB Draft as he was the first overall pick. Skenes is a 6'6, 235 pound, right handed pitcher out of Louisiana State University. The former Air Force player transferred to LSU for the 2023 season and quickly he emerged as the top pitcher in this year's draft. 

In 2023, Skenes was able to post a 12-2 record with 209 strikeouts and a 1.69 earned run average in 122.2 innings. He gave up 72 hits and walked just 20 batters which translates to a 0.75 WHIP. His scouting grades are; Fastball: 80, Slider: 70, Changeup: 50, Control: 55, and Overall: 65. 

Mitch Jebb | SS

At pick number 42, the Pirates selected Mitch Jebb, a shortstop from Michigan State University. The number 46th ranked draft prospect is 6’1 and 185 pounds. Jebb has a very unique swing that is very different from others, but he makes it work with consistent contact and gap-to-gap line drives. 

This season, Jebb battled with a wrist injury, but still managed to have a .337 batting average with fifteen doubles, seven triples, and one homerun. He also stole fourteen bases and knocked in thirty-six runs in. His scouting grades are; Hit: 60, Power: 40, Run: 65, Arm: 50, Field: 50, Overall: 50.

Zander Mueth | RHP

Zander Mueth was the final selection the Pirates took on night one. Mueth is a 6’6, 205 pound right handed pitcher out of Belleville East High School. The 18 year old pitcher is currently committed to Ole Miss University. 

This high school season, Zander pitched 31.2 innings and added fifty-six strikeouts with a 2.21 ERA. He gave up seventeen hits and walked nineteen batters. Definitely has a lot of talent. His scouting grades are; Fastball: 55, Slider: 55, Changeup: 50, Control: 45, Overall: 45.

Garret Forrester | 1B

The Pirates began day two by selecting first baseman Garret Forrester. Out of Oregon State University, Forrester is 6’1, 208 pounds, and 21 years old. Forrester started all three years that he attended Oregon State and is going to add solid depth to the Pirates farm system.

In 2023, Forrester had a .341 batting average with twelve doubles and ten home runs. He also batted in fifty-three runners and walked fifty-nine times. His scouting grades are; Hit: 55, Power: 50, Run: 35, Arm: 50, Throw: 50, Overall: 45.

Carlson Reed | RHP

Carlson Reed is a right handed pitcher out of West Virginia University. Reed is 6’4, 200 pounds, and 20 years old. Reed has some very impressive pitches, but struggles with finding the strike zone. When he has control over his pitches, he is nearly unhittable.

This season Reed threw 38 innings with sixty strikeouts and a 2.61 ERA. He also has a 2-1 record with seven saves. He gave up thirty-three hits and twenty-five walks. His scouting grades are; Fastball: 55, Slider: 55, Changeup: 60, Control: 40, Overall: 40.

The rest of the picks were:

•RHP Patrick Reilly 

•LHP Hunter Furtado

•LHP Jaden Woods

•RHP Austin Strickland

•RHP Danny Carrion

•RHP Landon Tomkins

•LHP Madgiel Cotto

•RHP Khristian Curtis

•2B Charles McAdoo

•RHP Garrett McMillan

•C John Lopez

•C Justin Miknis

•3B Daniel Cuvet

•SS Kalae Harrison

•RHP Tyler Kennedy

•RHP Peyton Stumbo

Overall I think everyone can agree the Bucs and GM Ben Cherington had a solid draft. They added bundles of young pitchers with college experience and a big time player in Paul Skenes. They drafted only a few position players, but nonetheless I think it was a strong draft for the organization.