Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 Draft Class Update

Checking in on the 2023 draft class, where they are at and how they are doing.

Photo Credit - WTM

Of the 21 selections the Pittsburgh Pirates made, they signed 20 from the 2023 draft, most notably of course was first overall pick Paul Skenes.

While the former LSU Ace hasn’t suited up for a game, a few others from the class has, with one more joining the ranks over this weekend.

The playing time has been sparse, but some have nonetheless started to make a slight impact for their respective team.

Here’s a look at each player that was drafted by the Pirates, and have already made their professional debut.

Mitch Jebb - 2nd Round, 42nd Overall

The infielder was the first player from the draft class to make his professional debut, and it didn’t take him long to make his presence felt. He doubled in his first at-bat, and then scored from second on a wild pitch.

He’s really flashed the above average to plus hit tool (depending on which outlet you check) early on, picking up 11 hits in six games played so far.

Garret Forrester - 3rd Round, 73rd Overall

Like Jebb, it didn't take Forrester long to make an impact with Bradenton, hitting a RBI single in his first at-bat. He also walked three times that game as well. The Pirates want to work him at third base to start, so he’s been fighting for playing time behind Yordany De Los Santos, who has slid away from shortstop more due to Jebb.

Carlson Reed - 4th Round, 104th Overall

Of the seven players to make their debut, Reed is just one of two pitchers to do so. The Pirates have recently been a bit more cautious with the arms after the draft, with not many getting into game action, and those that do it usually ends up out of the bullpen.

His first outing wasn’t ideal, and he hasn’t pitched since then. In his debut, Reed recorded just one out, walked one, and allowed a hit, but surrendered four runs (only one earned).

Landon Tomkins - 10th Round, 287th Overall

The second of two pitchers to make their debut, Tomkins pitched twice before going on the ‘temporary inactive list’. In the two games he pitched for Bradenton before being inactivated, the righty combined to throw 1.2 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs, while walking four with no strikeouts.

Charles McAdoo - 13th Round, 377th Overall

Another infielder moving directly up to Bradenton, McAdoo has played in just two games but has made them count. He’s gone 5-for-10, driving in two runs, scoring one of his own and has a 3:1 BB:K ratio.

He even made a fantastic diving stop to get the third out of an inning against Tampa.

John Lopez - 15th Round, 377th Overall

The catcher from Puerto Rico is the first and only player from the ‘prep’ ranks to make his debut so far. To be fair, he is only one of two prep players to be signed, the other Zander Mueth, probably won't pitch this year.

Lopez got into his first game on Saturday, going 0-2 before getting subbed out by Rafael Escalante in the sixth inning.

Justin Miknis - 16th Round, 467th overall

The Kent State product is one of many catchers in the lower levels right now for the Pirates. He got into his second game Saturday night, and has yet to pick up a hit in five at-bats - but has drawn two walks as well.

He’s also thrown out the lone attempted base stealer in his time behind the plate, a laser right in perfect position for Yordany De Los Santos to easily catch and tag the runner.