Seth Hernandez has understandably received most of the attention of anyone in the Pittsburgh Pirates draft class. It’s almost always the case with first-rounders.
Hernandez was considered by some to be the best high school pitching prospect in draft history, and he fell into Pittsburgh’s lap with the sixth pick.
The right-handed starter already has at least three pitches that are considered at least plus offerings, led by a fastball that can touch triple digits. He also has the physical traits and athleticism that prep pitchers sometimes lack.
But after the Pirates took Hernandez, they made 20 more selections to round out their draft class. General manager Ben Cherington, amateur scouting director Justin Horowitz and the rest of the front office have received positive reviews, and there are intriguing prospects throughout the rounds.
One player in particular, though, looks like he has a chance of being a potential steal.
With the 263rd overall pick in the ninth round, the Pirates selected LSU first baseman Jared Jones despite him being ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 101 overall player. Now, Jones is somewhat limited, but his best trait is extremely appealing and a desperate need for the Pirates.
According to Pipeline, Jones’ right-handed swing contains 60-grade power, which at the very least means he has the potential to be a middle of the order threat one day.
“Personally, I honestly was a little bit surprised he was still available around in that area of the draft. That kid has some of the biggest power, if not the most power, in the draft,” Horowtiz explained. “He’s proven it at the highest level in college baseball, playing for a program that is potentially the best in college baseball. So a lineup anchor and someone we’re excited about.”
Jones slugged 22 home runs for LSU this season, which tied him for second in the SEC. As an added bonus, the 21-year-old pledged $100 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each home run hit by LSU this season, so he had a big hand in raising funds for a good cause.
Jones slugged .613 for LSU this season, and in addition to his impressive power, led the SEC in RBI with 76 and finished third with 90 hits. He hit .323 with a .414 on-base percentage and was named a First-Team All-American and part of the College World Series All-Tournament team, where he and his teammates were crowned champions.
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The native of Marietta, Ga., finished his career with the Tigers third on the program’s all-time home run list with 64.
Though PNC Park’s dimensions have been unkind to right-handed power bats, Jones has the ability to hit for power to all fields, which will help if and when he works his way to Pittsburgh.
The rest of his game is questionable. There are some strikeout concerns. He’s limited to first base defensively at best, despite a strong arm, and may wind up as a designated hitter when all said and done. He doesn’t run particularly well either.
But the burly Jones offers the Pirates something not many others can.
“I think, obviously, he’s got some things to work on, to improve upon, to be an impact major league bat, but there’s one thing that he can do that very few people in the world can do, and that’s hit the ball really, really hard and really, really far,” said Horowitz. “So we’re pretty excited about that opportunity for him.”