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First Pitch 2021 MLB Mock Draft: Predicting the top-5

By Mark Powell

Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Apr 28, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice from the dugout before the game against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington observes batting practice from the dugout before the game against the Kansas City Royals at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Pirates select Marcelo Mayer

“In the baseball draft a team should always look to go best player available, especially with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. While there has been a lot of debate on this it appears that this player is Marcelo Mayer. Both MLB Pipeline and FanGraphs have Mayer as the top rated player in the draft. That said, for a period of time it appeared the best player in the draft was another prep shortstop in Jordan Lawlar. Personally, I will be excited with either Mayer or Lawlar. As for who the Pirates should draft, they should draft whichever of the two they believe has the highest ceiling as a MLB hitter.” – Rum Bunter site editor Marty Leap

The Pirates farm system has plenty of high-ranking prospects, but when a talent like Mayer comes around, you don’t pass him up. System depth is meaningless if none of those players become Major League level talents. Mayer is certainly one of those.

Selecting a high school player also aligns itself well with the Pirates rebuild, which surely has a few years remaining. At just 18, Mayer can take his time adjusting to professional life and make his way to the big leagues at his own pace. Mayer has tremendous power at the position and possesses all the tools one looks for in a No. 1, face of the franchise selection.

“Mayer should be 1-1, and I don’t think it should really be a conversation,” one scouting executive told FanGraphs. “In terms of pound-for-pound talent, he’s the number one guy. Left-handed, good stick, future power, and plays up the middle.”

The debate between Mayer and fellow shortstop Jordan Lawler has quieted in recent weeks, with Mayer emerging as the clear No. 1 target. He will likely be a Pittsburgh Pirate, barring anything unforeseen.

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