Pirates 2017 Draft: A Look Back

The Pittsburgh Pirates 2017 draft is a fascinating case study in baseball prospect evaluation. Looking back, it's clear that some picks panned out, others didn't, and a few are still question marks. Let's dive deep into each round, analyzing the selections and what became of them. This is where we really break down the specifics. From the top picks to the later-round fliers, we'll see how the Pirates' scouting department fared in predicting future MLB talent. The draft is such a crapshoot, and even the best organizations miss on players, but understanding these past decisions can help us evaluate future drafts and the overall organizational philosophy. Did they prioritize high-upside players or safer bets? Were they targeting college players or high schoolers? All of these questions play a role in how a draft unfolds and ultimately determines its success. And hey, it's always fun to play armchair general manager and second-guess the picks! So, buckle up, baseball fans, as we dissect the Pirates' 2017 draft class. We'll cover the players who made it to the majors, those who fizzled out in the minors, and the ones who are still grinding away, hoping for their shot. We’ll also consider the context of the draft at the time. What were the prevailing scouting reports on these players? What were the Pirates' needs at the major league level? These factors all influence the draft strategy and the types of players a team targets.

First Round Selection

The Pirates selected Shane Baz with the 12th overall pick. At the time, Shane Baz was considered a high-upside right-handed pitcher with a fastball that touched the mid-90s and a promising slider. He was known for his athleticism and projectability, leading many scouts to believe he had the potential to become a top-of-the-rotation starter. However, Baz never actually threw a pitch for the Pirates organization. He was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 as part of the deal that brought Chris Archer to Pittsburgh. Chris Archer was supposed to be the missing piece to a contending Pirates team, but that trade is widely considered one of the worst in recent memory. While Archer struggled in Pittsburgh, Baz has since blossomed into a highly regarded prospect and has already made his MLB debut with the Rays, showcasing the stuff that made him a first-round pick. This underscores the inherent risk in trading prospects, as their development is never guaranteed. As for Baz, his career has had its ups and downs, including Tommy John surgery. However, his potential remains undeniable, and he's a key piece of the Rays' future. Meanwhile, the Pirates are still searching for that elusive ace. Looking back, the Archer trade is a constant reminder of the importance of prospect development and the potential consequences of sacrificing the future for immediate gains. It's a tough pill for Pirates fans to swallow, seeing Baz succeed elsewhere while their team continues to struggle to find consistent starting pitching. This first-round pick serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and uncertainties of baseball transactions and prospect evaluation.

Other Notable Picks

Beyond the first round, the Pirates made several other selections in the 2017 draft, some of whom have reached the majors, while others have not. One notable pick was second-rounder Steven Jennings. Steven Jennings, a right-handed pitcher out of Tennessee, was seen as a solid pick with good command and a decent curveball. He progressed through the Pirates' minor league system but never quite reached the majors. He bounced around a bit and ultimately didn't stick. Drafting pitchers is always risky, as injuries are common, and development can be unpredictable. Another interesting pick was third-rounder Travis MacGregor, another right-handed pitcher. He also faced challenges in his development and hasn't reached the majors. These mid-round picks often represent a team's ability to find value and diamonds in the rough. While not every pick can be a star, finding contributors in these rounds is crucial for building organizational depth. Another name to mention is Bligh Madris in the ninth round. Bligh Madris made his debut in 2022 and appeared in 39 games, batting .177/.244/.265. This highlights the fact that even late-round picks can sometimes contribute at the major league level. These players represent the heart and soul of an organization, the guys who grind it out every day, hoping for their chance to shine. They're a testament to perseverance and the power of never giving up on your dreams.

Analysis of the Draft

Overall, the Pirates 2017 draft can be viewed as a mixed bag. While the first-round pick, Shane Baz, has shown promise, his success has come with another organization. The lack of significant MLB contributors from the rest of the draft class is a concern. Evaluating a draft class takes time, often several years, to truly assess its impact. Player development is a long and winding road, and many factors can influence a player's trajectory. Injuries, changes in coaching, and simply the player's own ability to adapt and improve all play a role. The Pirates, like all teams, are constantly striving to improve their scouting and player development processes. They're looking for ways to identify talent more accurately and to provide players with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. The draft is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's a crucial one. A successful draft can provide a team with a pipeline of young talent, helping to sustain success over the long term. A less successful draft can set a team back for years, making it even more difficult to compete. That's why so much emphasis is placed on the draft and why teams invest so heavily in their scouting departments. They're all searching for that edge, that one thing that will help them find the next superstar.

Lessons Learned

Looking back at the Pirates 2017 draft, there are several lessons that can be learned. Firstly, the importance of patience with prospects. Player development is not a linear process, and it often takes years for a player to reach his full potential. Secondly, the inherent risk in trading prospects. While it can be tempting to trade prospects for established players, there's always a chance that the prospect will turn into a star elsewhere. Thirdly, the need for a strong scouting and player development system. Identifying talent is only half the battle; teams must also have the resources and expertise to develop that talent. The Pirates, like all organizations, are constantly learning and evolving. They're using data analytics, advanced scouting techniques, and innovative player development programs to try to gain an edge. The goal is to minimize risk and maximize the chances of success. It's a never-ending process, but one that is essential for building a winning team. And hey, even the best organizations make mistakes. The key is to learn from those mistakes and to keep striving to improve. That's the only way to stay ahead in the ever-competitive world of professional baseball. The draft is a fascinating blend of art and science, and it's one of the most important aspects of building a successful baseball organization.

The State of the Pirates Now

The Pittsburgh Pirates are still in the process of rebuilding, and the success of future drafts will be critical to their long-term success. The team has made some progress in recent years, but there is still a long way to go. The Pirates' current struggles highlight the importance of making sound decisions in the draft and in player development. A team's future is often determined by the choices it makes in these areas. The Pirates are hoping that their recent draft classes will yield more impactful players than the 2017 class. They've invested heavily in scouting and player development, and they're optimistic about the future. But the past serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead. The Pirates' fan base is passionate and dedicated, and they're eager to see their team return to contention. They're hoping that the Pirates can learn from the mistakes of the past and build a brighter future. It's a long road, but one that they're willing to travel, as long as they see progress and a commitment to building a winning team. The Pirates' story is a reminder that success in baseball is not always guaranteed, but with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.