The Pirates kicked off their 2026 draft by selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick.
Curiel was named the 2025 National Freshman of the Year and helped lead the Tigers to a College World Series championship. As a sophomore this past year, the 21-year-old slashed .353/.431/.526 with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 steals in 58 games. The California-native was a Third-Team All-American, Second-Team All-SEC selection and won an ACBA/Rawlings Gold Glove.
Following their first-round selection, the Pirates have four more picks to make on the first day of the draft. Follow along below for all their day one picks.
Round 2, Pick 44: Aiden Ruiz, SS, New York (High School)
The Pirates dipped into the prep ranks in the second round to take shortstop Aiden Ruiz out of the state of New York. The 19-year-old is considered MLB Pipeline’s 32nd-best prospect.
In 24 games as a senior with The Stony Brook School, Ruiz slashed .403/.547/.625 with six doubles, two triples, two home runs and 17 RBIs while going a perfect 23 for 23 on stolen base attempts.
Ruiz, who is committed to Vanderbilt, is a 5-10, 160-pound switch-hitter and is considered perhaps the best defensive shortstop in the 2026 class. Offensively, he has good contact skills but doesn’t possess much power.
The slot value for the 44th pick is $2,278,700.
Round 2, Pick 51: Chris Rembert, 2B, Auburn
The Pirates were given the 51st pick in this year’s draft after failing to sign high school right-hander Angel Cervantes after taking him with the 50th pick last year. They used the supplemental pick on second baseman Chris Rembert from Auburn University.
Rembert, 21, slashed .343/.399/.459 with 13 doubles, one triple, four home runs, 46 RBIs and 12 steals in 58 games as a sophomore in 2026. He was named a first-team All-SEC selection for his efforts after being named to the conference’s second-team as a Freshman in 2025.
Rembert, who stands 5-10 and bats right-handed, lacks power but otherwise possesses average to plus tools across the board. His best attribute is his 60-grade hit tool.
The slot value for the 51st pick is $1,938,100
Mentioned in this article: MLB Draft Pittsburgh Pirates