With the 22nd pick in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft, the Pirates selected third baseman Will Craig. The broadcast originally announced Craig as a right-handed pitcher, but that was a mistake, as the Pirates intended to draft him as a third baseman. Craig played third base and was a right-handed pitcher with Wake Forest, but profiles better as a position player.
This year, Craig crushed the ball with a .392/.537/.766 line in 171 at-bats, along with 16 homers. He’s got a big frame (6′ 3″, 235), so there are a lot of doubts that he will stick at third base, with first base being his future projection. He’s got good plate patience, which is something the Pirates have targeted the last few years, but unlike some of their previous picks, he’s got the chance to hit for some power. There are some scouts who question if his power will carry over to wood bats, but the power seems like it would be a bonus to the Pirates with their high-OBP/low strikeout approach.
Right away, you’d wonder if the Pirates would move Craig to first base. As an advanced college hitter, he would go to Bradenton next year. The Pirates also project to be sending 2015 first round pick Ke’Bryan Hayes to Bradenton, and unlike Craig, Hayes has a chance to stick at the position long-term. These things tend to work themselves out though. Last year, the same questions existed with Kevin Newman and Cole Tucker.
Following the pick, there was a lot of high praise for Craig’s combo of power and plate patience. He might not have a lot of defensive upside, but if he can continue hitting for power in pro ball, he could be a nice impact bat, and another good position player to add to the system.
We will have more on Craig later this evening. Here is Craig’s player page.
