On their July 17, 2025 off day, the Pittsburgh Pirates focused on the future, adding power bat Jared Jones. Get the full scoop on the new draft class.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
PNC Park was quiet on Thursday, but the buzz around the Pittsburgh Pirates organization was anything but. With no game on the schedule, the spotlight shifted from the diamond to the draft board and the front office, where the blueprint for a long-term contender is being meticulously drawn. While fans await the team's return to action against the White Sox, the biggest news of the day revolved around the future, headlined by a new class of prospects and a reinforced commitment to building a sustainable winner.
64 collegiate home runs.
The ink is barely dry on the 2025 MLB Draft, and the theme for the Pirates is clear: power and versatility. The team made 21 selections, with a notable focus on impactful bats. Leading the charge is ninth-round pick Jared Jones, a first baseman from LSU who brings a championship pedigree (two College World Series titles) and prodigious power, evidenced by his 64 career home runs in college. He's joined by tenth-rounder Matt King, a shortstop who hit .336 at Arizona State, and eleventh-round speedster Dylan Palmer from Hofstra, who set records with his ability to turn hits into triples. GM Ben Cherington's strategy of taking the best player available continues to stock the system with high-upside talent at every position.
The draft wasn't just about the players; it was a reaffirmation of the front office's philosophy. Assistant GM Steve Horowitz emphasized the goal of building a 'sustainable winner' by blending advanced analytics with traditional scouting. He pointed to the rapid ascent of 2023 first-rounder Konnor Griffin as a prime example of their process working—identifying elite talent and fostering its growth. This patient, data-informed approach is the bedrock of the team's rebuild, aiming to create a consistent pipeline of talent that can compete year after year.
While the new draft class generates excitement, the current state of the farm system offers both promise and points of concern. The pitching depth remains a major strength, with names like Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft, Mike Burrows, and Thomas Harrington all drawing attention. However, for all the talent brewing, the organization has yet to see a Top 30 prospect graduate to the majors this season. Furthermore, offensive production at the upper levels of the minors continues to be an area needing improvement, a challenge the team hopes players like the newly drafted Jared Jones will one day solve.
An off-day in July can feel like a lull, but for the Pirates, it was a moment to zoom out and appreciate the bigger picture. The front office is methodically assembling pieces, from powerful bats in the draft to electric arms in the minors. While the wait for these prospects to blossom can test any fan's patience, the strategy is clear and the commitment is unwavering. Now, with the break over, the focus shifts back to the present as the Bucs prepare to host the Chicago White Sox tomorrow, another chance for the current squad to build its own momentum.
