​Pittsburgh opened its draft with a bold choice, selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel fifth overall as Pirates’ front office members huddled in a war room for day one of the MLB Draft. While Pirates players and coaches were splitting a doubleheader sweep of the Brewers at PNC Park, the organization’s decision-makers were focused on building for the future, kickstarting their 2026 draft plans with Curiel, a 21-year-old rising star. Assistant general manager Kevan Graves expressed enthusiasm about Curiel joining the organization, noting that the Pirates had tracked him all spring and believed he could be a strong candidate at a high draft position.
Curiel, a West Covina, California native who attended Orange Lutheran High School—the same alma mater as Pirates’ 2011 first-overall pick Gerrit Cole—shared his excitement about being drafted by the Pirates. Speaking via Zoom shortly after the selection, Curiel said it represented everything he and his family had worked toward, adding that joining the Pirates meant the world to him.
In his sophomore season with LSU, Curiel earned All-SEC second-team honors after batting .353 with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs, 34 walks, 13 stolen bases, a .957 OPS, and 64 runs in 58 games. He had already made a significant impact in his first year with LSU by earning the D1Baseball National Freshman of the Year recognition and helping guide the Tigers to a College World Series championship.
Describing his playing style, Curiel likened himself to a Pete Rose-type player who thrives on tough, in-the-dirt baseball. He emphasized his willingness to get dirty, dive headfirst, make diving plays, push for extra bases, and execute drag or push bunts. He said his goal is to do whatever the game calls for to help his team win—whether that means drawing a walk, making a diving catch, or taking advantage of offensive opportunities to score runs and prevent them on defense.
The slot value for the fifth pick in the 2026 draft stands at $8,336,500. While Curiel’s signing bonus may come in under slot, the Pirates remain confident in the value of adding him to their organization. Graves highlighted Curiel’s strong command of the strike zone, bat-to-ball ability, and upside as a power hitter, along with his exceptional center-field defense. He praised Curiel’s character, describing him as a strong teammate, a competitive competitor, and a growth-oriented person the Pirates are eager to invest in at this level. Graves stressed that Curiel’s selection aligns with the organization’s long-term goals and their belief in his potential to contribute at the highest levels.
As the Pirates embarked on this year’s draft, they were intent on continuing their track record of finding talent and adding players who fit their organizational vision. The franchise’s approach to the draft, paired with Curiel’s skill set and makeup, suggested they hope to translate early success in the draft into sustained success in the majors.