As the Pirates' skid hits 7 games in July 2025, the bats of McCutchen & Cruz stay cold. But with the #6 pick, can the MLB Draft save their future?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another tough loss on the horizon. As the Pittsburgh Pirates entered Target Field on Saturday facing a seven-game losing streak, the mood was grim. The offense, ranked last in the league in slugging, continues to sputter. But while the present feels bleak, the future offers a powerful dose of hope. On the eve of the 2025 MLB Draft, the Pirates are armed with the sixth overall pick and a chance to inject game-changing talent into a system already boasting a budding superstar.
Last year's top pick, Konnor Griffin, is hitting .330 with a .929 OPS, 13 home runs, and 40 stolen bases in the minors. That's the kind of impact the Pirates are looking to add tomorrow.
The numbers don't lie, and right now, they're ugly. The Pirates' offense is struggling mightily, ranking near the bottom of the league in runs (3.4 per game), batting average (.230), and dead last in slugging percentage (.340). Despite the best efforts of veterans like Andrew McCutchen (.259 AVG) and power from Oneil Cruz (16 HR), the lineup can't find consistency. The seven-game skid has dropped the team to a 38-57 record. The one silver lining has been the pitching staff, whose 3.68 ERA ranks an impressive ninth in MLB, but they can't win if the bats don't show up.
For a perfect example of what the draft can yield, look no further than 2024 first-rounder Konnor Griffin. The No. 2 prospect in the system is having a phenomenal season, already reaching High-A Greensboro and putting up video game numbers. In 74 games, the dynamic shortstop/outfielder is hitting .330 with 13 homers and a staggering 40 stolen bases. Griffin's emergence as a true five-tool talent provides a tangible reason for optimism and serves as a blueprint for what the front office hopes to accomplish in this year's draft.
With the sixth overall pick in hand for Sunday's draft, the Pirates are in a prime position to add another cornerstone piece. Assistant GM Max Horowitz has emphasized the organization's focus on high-upside talent to replenish a farm system that has graduated key players to the majors. Armed with the ninth-largest bonus pool at over $14 million, the Bucs have the flexibility to be creative and aggressive. This pick isn't just about adding one player; it's about continuing the mission to build a sustainable winner in Pittsburgh.
It's tough sledding for the big-league club right now, there's no denying it. The offense is in a deep freeze, and the losses are piling up. But as the Pirates prepare to face the Twins again, the real main event is just a day away. Tomorrow, the front office has a chance to alter the franchise's trajectory with the sixth overall pick. Will they find the next Konnor Griffin? All of Pittsburgh will be watching.
