With their 19th round pick in the 2022 MLB draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected right-handed pitcher Yoel Tejeda out of North Broward Prep in Florida.
Tejeda is a two-way player, announced as a pitcher, who stands 6’7″, 210 pounds and he turned 19 years old earlier this month. MLB Pipeline has him ranked 217th in the draft class, though Baseball America doesn’t have him in their top 500. As a pitcher, he sits low-90s according to Pipeline, touching as high as 97 MPH. His changeup is his second best pitch and it has some sink to the pitch. His breaking ball is a slow slurve. Pipeline gives him a 55 grade for the fastball, 50 for changeup, 45 for slider and 45 for control. Scouts liked him better as a pitcher due to his projection.
As a hitter, he has great raw power as a switch-hitter, but there’s concern about his ability to make enough contact. He would be likely end up at first base as a hitter, but the Pirates didn’t give any immediate indication that he will be a two-way player. He gets 40 grades for hitting and running, 50 for power and fielding and 55 for arm.
He has a commitment to Florida, so he will be an over-slot signing, but the Pirates should have money to spend.
