Pittsburgh Pirates Make Strategic Moves in 2025 MLB Draft
The Pittsburgh Pirates took significant steps toward rejuvenating their lineup by participating in the 2025 MLB Draft, held over two days as part of the All-Star Game festivities in Atlanta. This year, the team made a robust selection of 21 players, marking the sixth consecutive year they have drafted within the top 10. With a record of 76-86 in 2024, which placed them among the lower ranks in baseball, the organization is eagerly aiming to discover elite talent to elevate its future prospects.
General Manager Ben Cherington emphasized a strategy focused on talent over position this draft season. Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette prior to the draft, he stated his intention was to select “the best player” available with each pick. Securing the sixth overall pick through the draft lottery in December 2024, the Pirates were poised to make impactful selections.
Key Draft Selections
Here’s a rundown of the players chosen by the Pirates in the 2025 MLB Draft:
| Player | Position | Round | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seth Hernandez | RHP | 1 | 6 |
| Angel Cervantes | RHP | 2 | 50 |
| Murf Gray | 3B | Competitive Balance B | 73 |
| Easton Carmichael | C | 3 | 82 |
| Gustavo Melendez | SS | 4 | 113 |
The Pirates’ first selection was Seth Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from Corona High School in California. At just 19 years old, Hernandez has already made a name for himself as the third-ranked prospect in this draft, showcasing three top-tier pitches: a solid fastball, a changesup praised by scouts, and a curveball with impressive spin. Cherington expressed enthusiasm for Hernandez’s potential and competitiveness, which bode well for his development into a starting pitcher.
Following closely behind was Angel Cervantes from Earl Warren High School, who also projects as a promising arm with several quality pitches, including a fastball that reaches the low-to-mid 90s. The Pirates then shifted their focus to position players, drafting Murf Gray, a capable third baseman who has excelled at Fresno State, and Easton Carmichael, a catcher with a proven track record at Oklahoma.
As the draft unfolded, the Pirates continued to target players across various positions, balancing their selections to build a diverse farm system capable of supporting the organization’s future goals.
As the Pirates prepare for the upcoming seasons, their careful planning and investment in young talent through the draft may lay the foundation for a stronger team in the years to come. The next step will be leveraging their bonus pool of $14,088,400 for signing those chosen in the first ten rounds, setting the stage for their anticipated development.
