The 2026 MLB Draft has come and gone, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have made a bold move by selecting LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with their fifth overall pick. This decision has sparked curiosity and debate among baseball fans, as Curiel's selection was a bit of a surprise. Many mock drafts had the Pirates choosing Santa Barbara pitcher Jackson Flora, but the Pirates decided to go with the experienced Curiel, who has proven himself as one of the best pure hitters in the Draft class.
Curiel's selection is particularly interesting given the recent success of LSU's baseball program. The Tigers have produced standout prospects such as Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews, who went first and second in the 2023 Draft, and Kade Anderson, the third overall pick in the 2025 Draft by the Mariners. Curiel could be the next LSU player headed for stardom.
Curiel himself is thrilled with the opportunity to play for the Pirates. "We had a great conversation. It was about 35 minutes, and I think there was love from both sides," he said over Zoom. "I'm so happy that [the Pirates] believe in me enough to pick me as their first choice in the first round. So it's a great blessing."
One thing that immediately stands out about Curiel is his play style. "Kind of gritty mentality -- kind of Pete Rose-style baseball," he said. "I like to get dirty. I like to dive at first. Like to make diving plays. Take the extra base when I can. Drag bunt, push bunt. Score runs on offense and save runs on defense is the best way I try to describe it, and I'm just trying to do whatever it takes to help the team win."
Curiel's play style is reminiscent of Pete Rose, and his father is a huge fan of the Hall of Famer. Curiel began showing him highlights of Charlie Hustle when he was around 5 years old, and the influence has rubbed off on him. While home runs aren't Curiel's calling card (he hit just six homers in 232 at-bats for LSU in 2026), scouts hope he can tap into more power as he enters the professional ranks.
Curiel's ceiling may be limited to 12-15 homers per year, but he has strong bat-to-ball skills and a smooth stroke from the left side. He also has plus speed, stealing a team-high 13 bases in just 15 attempts. Curiel's ability to play center field is particularly valuable given his offensive ceiling, as he looked solid in center in 2026 after playing left field as a freshman at LSU.
In my opinion, the Pirates' decision to select Curiel is a smart one. While Flora may have been the more highly touted prospect, Curiel has proven himself as a consistent and reliable hitter, and his ability to play center field is a bonus. With his gritty play style and Pete Rose-like approach to the game, Curiel has the potential to become a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. It will be interesting to see how he develops in the professional ranks and whether he can live up to the high expectations that come with being a top pick in the MLB Draft.
