The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted catcher Derek Berg from the United States Military Academy with their 10th round pick, 294th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. The college senior was unranked by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.
Derek Berg, C, Army
Age: 22 | DOB: 9/21/2001 | HT: 6′ 3″ | WT: 200 | B/T: R/R
2024 Stats
Berg is a college senior, playing four years with Army. He hit .290/.404/.605 with 15 homers during his senior season, ending his year with an active 28-game on base streak.
The History
Berg spent most of his senior season behind the plate, but also played first and second base. He was named the Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He moved to catching as his primary position in 2023 after starting his career with more time at second base. He’s a smart player, getting good grades from high school through his time with Army.
The Tools
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Berg.
Hit (50): He hit for a .298 average with Army, and showed good plate patience, leading to a .388 OBP. The numbers improved over his final two years, with more power, while maintaining the on-base ability and striking out 21.7% of the time.
Power (50): Berg hit 29 home runs across four seasons with Army, increasing his totals in the last two seasons, with 27 combined homers.
Run (45): He seems to have some speed on the bases, stealing 34 bases in 49 attempts during his career, including 11 of 14 in his senior season.
Field (55): Berg profiles well as a catcher, moving to the position after 2022. He caught his brother while at Army. His academic smarts profile well for his ability to mentally handle the catching management duties.
Arm (50): He went 5-for-9 in catching runners on the bases during his senior season.
Overall (40): Berg is likely to remain behind the plate, hoping to reach the majors on power, on-base ability, and defense. He’s a college senior, so he’ll likely provide some slot savings, but he could find value on the field, working his way up through the catching ranks.
