When the Pirates selected Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, it wasn’t just a headline—it was a statement. Personally, I think this move speaks volumes about Pittsburgh’s strategy and their faith in Curiel’s potential. What makes this particularly fascinating is that Curiel, an outfielder from LSU, wasn’t the obvious choice for many analysts. Mock drafts had the Pirates leaning toward pitcher Jackson Flora, but when Flora went fourth to the Giants, Pittsburgh pivoted to Curiel. This raises a deeper question: What did the Pirates see in Curiel that others might have overlooked?
From my perspective, Curiel’s selection is a bet on his gritty, high-energy playstyle—a style he describes as ‘Pete Rose-esque.’ One thing that immediately stands out is his mentality: he’s not just a hitter; he’s a competitor. Diving for catches, stealing bases, and doing whatever it takes to win—this is the kind of player who can energize a clubhouse. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of hustle can’t be taught. It’s either in your DNA or it’s not, and Curiel clearly has it.
But let’s talk about the bigger picture. Curiel’s selection is also a testament to LSU’s dominance in producing top-tier talent. In recent years, the Tigers have churned out stars like Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews, and Kade Anderson. If you take a step back and think about it, LSU has become a pipeline for MLB success. Curiel’s draft position isn’t just a win for him—it’s a win for the program. This raises another interesting point: How much of a player’s success is tied to the system they come from?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Curiel’s power—or lack thereof. With just six home runs in 232 at-bats for LSU in 2026, he’s not going to be the next Aaron Judge. But here’s where it gets interesting: scouts believe he can develop more power as he matures. Personally, I think this is where the comparison to Christian Yelich comes in. Yelich wasn’t a power hitter early in his career either, but he eventually broke out. The question is, can Curiel follow a similar trajectory?
What this really suggests is that the Pirates are betting on Curiel’s floor as much as his ceiling. Even if he never becomes a 30-homer guy, his bat-to-ball skills, speed, and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset. A detail that I find especially interesting is his ability to stick in center field long-term. In today’s game, where position flexibility is gold, this gives him a leg up.
If you ask me, the most intriguing aspect of Curiel’s story is his journey. He was once a first-round prospect out of high school but chose to develop at LSU after a subpar senior season. That decision paid off. His batting average jumped to .353 in 2026, and he led the Tigers in hits, runs, and total bases. This isn’t just a story of talent—it’s a story of resilience and growth.
Looking ahead, I’m curious to see how quickly Curiel rises through the minors. The Pirates have a history of aggressive promotions, and Curiel’s college experience could accelerate his timeline. But here’s the thing: the majors are a different beast. The pressure, the competition, the expectations—they’re all amplified. Will Curiel’s gritty mentality be enough to carry him through?
In my opinion, the Pirates’ selection of Curiel is a calculated risk with a high potential reward. It’s a pick that says, ‘We believe in your skills, your work ethic, and your upside.’ But it’s also a pick that challenges Curiel to prove himself at every level. If he succeeds, he could be the next face of the franchise. If he doesn’t, well, that’s the beauty and brutality of baseball.
What makes this draft so compelling is that it’s not just about Curiel—it’s about the Pirates’ vision for their future. Are they building a team around speed, defense, and contact hitting? If so, Curiel fits perfectly. But it’s also about the broader trend of college players dominating the draft. High school prospects might have higher ceilings, but college players offer something just as valuable: proven performance.
As I reflect on Curiel’s selection, I’m reminded of something Pete Rose once said: ‘It’s a round ball and a round bat, and you got to hit it square.’ Curiel might not have Rose’s power, but he’s got the hustle, the heart, and the determination. And in baseball, that’s half the battle.
So, here’s my takeaway: Keep an eye on Derek Curiel. He might not be the flashiest pick, but he could very well be one of the most impactful. And if he lives up to the hype, the Pirates might just have found their next star.
