Pirates' Derek Curiel Makes Big Life Announcement

Derek Curiel Training For Big 2027 Season

The Pirates took Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft out of LSU and signed him for $6.2 million, about $2.14 million underslot for the signing bonus.

Curiel spent the past two seasons playing for the Tigers, but because he turned 21 before this year's draft, he was able to be a part of it, rather than having to play a third college season.

He didn't play for the Pirates in the 2026 season and won't make his professional debut until 2027.

Pirates farm director Michael Chernow spoke to the media back in October and said that Curiel had been dealing with some things in August and that they decided it would be best for him to not make his debut yet and to start his offseason earlier.

Curiel earned more time to build physically for the demands of a minor league season and to take on opposing hitting as well.

The current labor battle between the owners and the players' union doesn't have an effect on minor league players, so Curiel will get a full season in 2027.

How Curiel Will Make the Pirates Better in the Future

The Pirates may have gone with the less expensive player at fifth overall, but that isn't because they don't have high hopes for Curiel.

Curiel is a fantastic hitter, with a "60" grade from both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America, and it showed during his time with LSU.

He hit .345/.470/.519 for an OPS of .990 in 68 games as a freshman in 2025, with 89 hits, 20 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 55 RBI and 53 walks to 56 strikeouts, leading the Tigers to a College World Series championship.

Curiel had another strong season as a sophomore in 2026, batting .353/.431/.526 for an OPS of .957 in 58 games, and should do much of the same for the Pirates.

He's a strong contact hitter and should routinely get on base, making him a valuable part of the future Pirates' lineup.

Curiel's inspiration is Pete Rose, who holds MLB records for the most hits (4,256) and games played (3,562) and was a scrappy, give-it-all type player.

He can play all three outfield spots, although it's likely that he features in a corner outfield spot, even though he does play well in center field.

The Pirates will want to see Curiel handle professional pitching for the first time in 2027 and how he makes adjustments as he moves up through the farm system.