The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed five of their picks from the 2024 MLB Draft, locking down their sixth through tenth round picks. Below are the picks, rounds, and information on each player. No bonuses have been announced as of this writing, but check the Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Pick Signing Tracker for all of the latest updates.
Matt Ager, RHP (6) – Drafted out of UC Santa Barbara, Ager was rated this year’s 104th overall draft prospect by Baseball America and 135th by MLB Pipeline. He moved to the rotation as a sophomore, but struggled in 2024 with a 4.02 ERA in 62.2 innings and was moved to relief. Throwing from a 6′ 6″, 225 pound frame, with an easy, repeatable delivery, the right-hander has some potential. He sits 90-93 MPH, touching 96, with a chance to increase that velocity as he fills out his frame. He throws a slider that can be a plus pitch at times. He mostly works off the two pitch mix, but also throws a curveball and changeup, with the changeup having a chance to be his third average or better pitch. With average control, he’s got enough to give him a chance to remain a starter into the majors.
Connor Wietgrefe, LHP (7) – The Minnesota lefty wasn’t ranked as a top draft prospect, but has some things to like. He put up a 2.77 ERA in 78 innings during his junior season, moving into the rotation and showing improvement with his control, which grades as average. He then had two good starts in the Cape Cod League. His fastball sits low-90s, getting up to 94, with a two-seam and four-seam variety. His low-80s slider has sweeping action, and grades as an above-average offering, leading to a lot of his 77 strikeouts this year. He also throws a cutter and changeup, but mostly works off the fastball/slider combo. He’ll need a third pitch to be a starter, but has a good profile for relief work at the least.
Gavin Adams, RHP (8) – He’s recovering from Tommy John, after missing his junior season with Florida State. Adams has hit 100-101 MPH in the past, throwing from a 6′ 4″, 195 pound frame. He also throws an average slider in the upper 80s to pair with the fastball velocity. He adds a below-average changeup and has below-average control. The Pirates have had success rehabbing guys back from Tommy John to see improved control, while learning secondary stuff. The fastball velocity from Adams is something to build around, and gives him at least a reliever profile when paired with the slider.
Duce Gourson, SS (9) – Rated 231st by Baseball America and 158th by MLB Pipeline, Gourson gives the Pirates a chance for a bat-first middle infielder. He profiles better as a second baseman, with an average arm and below-average fielding. He does well to get on base, with a 14.9% walk rate during his junior season, leading to a .427 on-base percentage. He has some swing and miss against secondary stuff, and fringe-average power that saw his home run totals decline this year. Gourson stands out with his hit tool and plate patience, which could be enough to get him to the upper levels to further his development on the field and in the power department.
Derek Berg, C (10) – The Army catcher was a college senior, moving behind the plate during his last two years in college, and showing good defense with at least an average arm. He also added power in his final two years, hitting 27 homers during those two seasons. He’s got the chance for an average hit tool, showing consistency that led to a 28-game on base streak to end his college career. Berg should remain behind the plate, working in the lower levels at first, but with enough tools and a good cognitive profile to make it to the upper levels.
