Pirates Sign First Round Pick Derek Curiel

The Pirates signed the outfielder for $2 million under slot.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed first round pick Derek Curiel.

With a bonus of $6.2 million, the LSU outfielder ended up a little over $2 million under slot. Curiel was expected to be under-slot after he was drafted with the fifth overall pick, and that was all but confirmed when the Pirates went over-slot for their next four picks.

Curiel was ranked in the 10-15 range by all of the draft outlets, standing out as a potential plus hitter with above-average defense in center field, and above-average to elite speed, depending on the source.

The power doesn’t project as more than below-average, which could cap him at 12-15 home runs per season in a good year. His ability to stick in center field and his plus hitting tool drive his value as a safe play, even if he might not have the power to be an above-average starter in the future.

Bonus Pool Updates

With Curiel now signed, the Pirates have $68,800 remaining in their bonus pool. They can spend up to $880,465 before losing any future picks, though they’d face a 75% tax on the overage for any dollar spent above the pool.

In six drafts under General Manager Ben Cherington, the Pirates have gone into the 5% overage tax three times. Once was a minor tax of $1,875. The other two times were in 2021 and 2024. The 2021 draft is significant, as that draft also saw the Pirates going under-slot in the first round to go over-slot in the middle rounds.

The Pirates currently have five picks remaining unsigned, all after the tenth round.

Two picks have already said they aren’t signing. Malachi Washington, a prep outfielder taken in the 18th round, said after the draft that he’s going to LSU. Andrew Duncan, a college junior taken in the 19th round, has stated his intentions to transfer to Tennessee and be their starting center fielder.

The remaining picks are San Diego State pitcher Rohan Lettow (12th round), USC pitcher Grant Govel (16th round), and Canadian prep pitcher Damarcus Rideout-Carter (14th round). The Pirates can spend up to $150,000 on any of these picks before tapping into their bonus pool.

Lettow seems most likely to sign. He doesn’t have a lot of experience on the mound as a college pitcher, but took a step forward this past year. Govel has a bit more leverage as a draft-eligible sophomore, after missing time in 2024 with Tommy John. He might be the best remaining prospect if Washington and Duncan are out.

Rideout-Carter is an interesting situation. He doesn’t have a college commitment, which is usually what drives up high school bonus values. He’s also very raw, showing some control issues in a brief appearance in the MLB Draft League this year.

The draft signing deadline is Monday at 5 PM Eastern time. The Pirates have a little over a day to wrap up their 2026 draft class with any remaining signings.

Until the deadline decisions are made…

-Tim Williams