Pirates snap an 8-game skid with a 2-1 win over the Twins on July 13, led by Mitch Keller & IKF. As the team celebrates, all eyes turn to the No. 6 MLB Draft pick.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Finally, a reason to exhale. The Pittsburgh Pirates put an end to their agonizing eight-game losing streak on Sunday with a gritty 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins. While the win provided immediate relief for a team desperate for positive momentum, the day's true significance was twofold. As the players celebrated at Target Field, the front office in Atlanta prepared for a franchise-altering moment: making the sixth overall selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The draft is a 'mental, physical, emotional beast.' - Pirates scouting director Joe Horowitz
It wasn't a blowout, but it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Mitch Keller was masterful, delivering his 14th quality start of the season by allowing just one run over six dominant innings. The offense did just enough, sparked by a second-inning solo homer from Tommy Pham and a career-high-tying four-hit day from Isiah Kiner-Falefa. The game-winning run came in classic, scrappy fashion in the top of the ninth. Ke'Bryan Hayes scored on a Spencer Horwitz groundout after a diving stop by Twins shortstop Brooks Lee wasn't enough to turn an inning-ending double play. David Bednar then shut the door for his 13th save, securing a much-needed win and a moment of celebration.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Pirates will be selecting in the top 10 of the MLB Draft, a testament to the long-term nature of the current rebuild. Armed with the ninth-largest bonus pool at over $14 million, General Manager Ben Cherington and his team have a massive opportunity to add another cornerstone piece. While the pick wasn't made Sunday night, the strategy is clear: take the best player available, regardless of position. The pressure is on to hit on this pick and add another elite talent to a system that has recently produced stars like Paul Skenes.
This year's draft infusion is critical for balancing the farm system. While the organization is rich in pitching prospects like Bubba Chandler and Braxton Ashcraft, the need for high-level hitting is apparent, as no Top 30 prospect has graduated to the majors this season. The potential is there, however. Look no further than last year's top pick, Konnor Griffin, who is tearing up High-A Greensboro with a .330 average, 13 homers, and an incredible 40 stolen bases. Adding another impact bat or arm with the sixth pick could accelerate the timeline for a return to contention in Pittsburgh.
One day can't define a season, but Sunday felt significant. A win stopped the bleeding, and a high draft pick offers a transfusion of future hope. As the team looks to build a winning streak in Minnesota, all eyes will also be on the draft room in Atlanta. Who will be the next building block for the Pittsburgh Pirates? We'll find out soon enough.
