Full Breakdown
Pirates Bolster Outfield and Infield with First-Day Picks in the 2026 MLB Draft
7/12/2026, 12:01:58 PM
First-Day Selections: Core Event
On Saturday, July 11, the Pittsburgh Pirates opened their 2026 MLB Draft day by selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with the No. 5 overall pick. The club followed with shortstop Aiden Ruiz (44th overall, New York), second baseman Chris Rembert (51st overall, Auburn), right-handed pitcher Jason DeCaro (80th overall, North Carolina) and prep outfielder Andruw Giles (108th overall, Basic High School, Nevada). All five selections were made in Philadelphia during the first four rounds; the remainder of the draft will continue on July 12.
Background & Context
Pittsburgh has drafted in the Top 10 for seven consecutive seasons, a streak that began with the No. 1 overall selection of Paul Skenes in 2023 and continued with high-profile arms such as Seth Hernandez (2025). The Pirates’ recent strategy emphasized early-round pitching, yet the No. 5 pick marked a return to a proven college bat. Curiel becomes the sixth LSU player taken in the first round over the past five seasons, joining former Tigers Kade Anderson, Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, Ty Floyd and Jacob Berry.
Player Profiles & Statistics
| Player | Position | 2026 Season (College/High School) | Key Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derek Curiel | OF (CF) | LSU – .353/.431/.526, 18 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 46 RBI, 13 SB (58 G) | Career .349 BA, .452 OBP, 13 HR, 101 RBI |
| Aiden Ruiz | SS | Stony Brook School – .403/.547/.625, 6 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 17 RBI (24 G) | Perfect 23-for-23 stolen-base record |
| Chris Rembert | 2B | Auburn – .343/.399/.459, 13 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 46 RBI, 12 SB (58 G) | First-team All-SEC (2026) |
| Jason DeCaro | RHP | UNC – 11-3, 2.87 ERA, 99 K, 42 BB (97.1 IP) | All-American honors (Perfect Game) |
| Andruw Giles | OF | Basic HS – .409/.606/.935, 11 2B, 4 3B, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 10 SB (26 G) | Slot value $725,900; committed to Oregon |
Official Statements & Organizational Outlook
Pirates head coach Jay Johnson praised Curiel’s “terrific plate discipline, the highest-level ability to make contact, and elite defensive center-field play,” adding that the outfielder “accomplished what we set out for him to do.” The front office, guided by GM Ben Cherington, framed the selection as a “safe, well-rounded player who could contribute sooner,” noting that Curiel’s SEC experience and recent National Freshman of the Year award align with Pittsburgh’s desire to add immediate offensive depth. The club’s bonus pool exceeds $16 million, allowing flexibility for later-round signings.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts expressed surprise at deviating from the recent pitching-heavy approach, questioning whether a contact-oriented outfielder fits a roster that already boasts power hitters Brian Reynolds and Oneil Cruz. Critics also highlighted Curiel’s modest power numbers compared with traditional corner-outfield prospects, suggesting the Pirates may need to develop additional strength before he can thrive at the major-league level.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has terrific plate discipline, the highest level ability to make contact, and he is an elite defensive centerfielder.” — Jay Johnson, LSU head coach
- “We all thought it was going to be a little earlier, but it worked out for the best,” — Aiden Ruiz, shortstop, The Stony Brook School
- “It just meant the most having my family and friends by my side through it all . . . I’m already ready to compete and bring winning into the Pirates’ organization.” — Aiden Ruiz
- “Just knowing that I worked for this, it feels better when you work harder,” — Jason DeCaro, right-handed pitcher, North Carolina
What’s Next
The Pirates retain five additional picks through the Competitive-Balance Round A (used in a trade) and will continue selecting through the 20th round on July 12. Slots already announced include $2.28 million for Ruiz (44th) and $1.94 million for Rembert (51st). With a sizable bonus pool, Pittsburgh is positioned to address remaining needs in the bullpen, catcher and corner-infield depth later in the draft.
