​Pittsburgh Baseball Now reports that the Pirates selected LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the MLB Draft. Curiel, a standout college performer and former high school star, arrives in Pittsburgh with a proven track record of offensive production, versatility in the outfield, and national-level accolades that have positioned him as one of the top college hitters in this year’s draft class.
Curiel is a 21-year-old who brings a well-rounded offensive profile. During his sophomore season with the LSU Tigers, he hit a sparkling .353 batting average with a 0.431 on-base percentage and a 0.526 slugging percentage, finishing with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases over 58 games. These numbers reflect his ability to drive the ball to all fields, contribute in multiple ways offensively, and provide speed on the basepaths. The season also showcased his plate discipline and hit tool, as indicated by his high on-base percentage and quality contact.
Previously recognized as a Third-Team All-America selection and a Second-Team All-SEC pick, Curiel’s strong college resume continued to grow in his first year with LSU. He earned the 2025 National Freshman of the Year honors after posting an impressive line of .345/.470/.519 with 20 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 55 RBIs, and three stolen bases. His performance helped LSU reach the NCAA tournament, where Curiel batted .390 and played a central role in guiding the Tigers to a College World Series championship. His success at the college level underscores his competitiveness, consistency, and ability to perform in high-pressure postseason environments.
Physically, Curiel stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 192 pounds, with the length and build that project well for turning into above-average power as he matures. Notably, he was named to the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I as a sophomore, highlighting his defensive prowess and reliability in right field or center field, along with advanced reads on fly balls and strong routes to the ball.
Curiel is a native of West Covina, California, and a standout at Orange Lutheran High School, the same program that produced Gerrit Cole, who was selected by the Pirates with the first overall pick out of LSU in the 2011 draft. This connection to a storied program and to a successful major league veteran adds to Curiel’s narrative as a polished, competitive prospect who has long been on MLB teams’ radars.
The Pirates chose Curiel with compensation in mind. The slot value for the fifth pick is listed at $8,336,500, underscoring the significant investment the organization is making in a hitter they believe can contribute in the near term and develop into a cornerstone of the lineup.
This acquisition marks the third time Pirates general manager Ben Cherington has pursued a college hitter as part of this organizational strategy, following notable selections such as Nick Gonzales (seventh overall, 2020) and Henry Davis (first overall, 2021). Curiel’s selection aligns with Pittsburgh’s emphasis on players who bring a blend of advanced hitting ability, defensive versatility, and a maturity level that can help accelerate their path through the minor leagues en route to the majors.
The first five picks of this year’s draft already reflect a mix of high-end college talent and dynamic high school prospects. The Rays selected Grady Emerson, a shortstop from Texas who played at the high school level; the Twins followed with Vahn Lackey, a catcher from Georgia Tech; the Giants drafted Jackson Flora, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara; and the Pirates sealed Curiel’s destination in Pittsburgh, adding an athletic outfielder with a track record of hitting for average, reaching base consistently, and contributing with power and speed.
This ongoing story will be updated as more details emerge about Curiel’s professional development, the team’s plans for his minor-league path, and how he transitions from college stardom to the challenges and opportunities of the major leagues. Pirates fans can look forward to watching Curiel’s progress as he begins his professional journey, with the expectation that his blend of contact hitting, on-base skills, and defensive versatility will help him establish himself as a potential everyday outfielder for the Pirates in the coming years.
This report originally appeared on Pittsburgh Baseball Now and will continue to cover Curiel’s transition from LSU to professional baseball and his eventual impact on the Pirates’ roster and future success.