The Pirates took a few interesting prep guys in rounds 31-35. It might be tough to sign most of them, considering the $100,000 cap on each individual bonus after round ten. For some players, a $100,000 bonus is enough. That’s close to tenth round money, and some players just want to play. Other players will probably opt for college, especially those who have a commitment to a major school. Of this group, Jack Moffit seems like the most likely to sign.
Here are the profiles for the picks in rounds 31-35. Click their names to see more on their player profiles.
31st Round, 946th Overall: Jack Moffit, RHP, Prep
Moffit throws an 88-92 MPH fastball, a decent curveball, and a splitter that acts like a slider. He missed time this year with a finger injury, but was impressive when healthy. He has a commitment to Navarro JC, but is seen as signable. He had a great senior year, putting up a 0.72 ERA in 39 innings, with a 48:11 K/BB ratio.
32nd Round, 976th Overall: Max Rossiter, C, Arizona State
Rossiter transferred to Arizona State after two years in junior college at Central Arizona College. As a hitter he makes contact and hits for a decent average, but hasn’t shown more than doubles power. He reportedly is a good defensive player with a good arm, but he threw out only 16% of base stealers in 2012. Baseball America rated him the 14th best prospect in Arizona.
33rd Round, 1006th Overall, Carlos Leal, C, East Central CC
Leal put up some good numbers in 2012, and put up some decent power numbers in each season with East Central. He’s got a strong arm behind the plate, which is strong enough that he’s been used as the team’s closer at times. He profiles as a organizational guy, adding catching depth to the lower levels.
34th Round, 1036th Overall, Ryan Rand, CF, Prep
Rand is very fast, and has good athleticism and an accurate arm from the outfield. He’s also played some at first, but the Pirates announced him as a center fielder. According to Perfect Game, he has a high ceiling as a hitter if he gets stronger. He’s a good student and is committed to Texas A&M, so he could be very hard to sign given the late-round slot amount of $100,000.
35th Round, 1066th Overall, Jackson McClelland, RHP, Prep
McClelland is a good framed pitcher, touching 89 MPH with his fastball. He’s put up some good numbers the last two years at the prep level. He’s also a good hitter, hitting for a .456/.508/.719 line in 57 at-bats this year, along with four homers. McClelland has a commitment to Pepperdine, and probably won’t end up signing.
