The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the draft with two prime picks—10th and 11th overall—and despite being highly active in trade discussions throughout the event, they wisely held on to these valuable selections. Their patience paid off as they landed two promising prospects: left-handed reliever Billy Wagner and versatile infielder Edgardo Alfonzo.
With the 10th pick, the Pirates selected Billy Wagner, the only five-star prospect in this year’s draft. Wagner’s talent is undeniable, and many scouts believe that if he had been a starting pitcher instead of a reliever, he would have been the clear-cut first overall pick.
Wagner’s raw potential is staggering. His stuff is rated at an impressive 19, while his movement and control both come in at 14. Though his stuff is nearing its full potential, Wagner will need time to refine his movement and control. As a result, he’s expected to begin his season in AAA, where he can continue to develop.
Once Wagner is Major League-ready, there’s little doubt he’ll be a dominant force in the Pirates’ bullpen for years to come. Whether as a Pirate or as part of another team’s roster—given the Pirates’ penchant for trades—Wagner’s trajectory points to a long and successful career.
With the 11th pick, the Pirates turned their attention to Edgardo Alfonzo, a player listed as a third baseman but equally capable of playing second base, with positional ratings of 11 at both spots. Alfonzo is a bit of a project player, and like Wagner, he will begin the season in AAA to refine his game.
Offensively, Alfonzo shows flashes of promise, with a potential 17 in contact, 12 in both gap power and raw power, 13 in eye, and 15 in avoid strikeouts. However, most of these skills remain underdeveloped, with avoid strikeouts being the most polished aspect of his game. If he can fulfill his offensive potential, Alfonzo could become a reliable contributor in the Pirates’ lineup.
However, Alfonzo’s future with the Pirates remains uncertain. Rumors swirled during the draft that the Pirates’ owner was considering trading the 11th pick, with multiple teams reportedly interested in Alfonzo’s services. Given the Pirates’ reputation for being active in the trade market, it wouldn’t be surprising if Alfonzo is dealt before making his Major League debut in Pittsburgh