Pirates pick up three of top 32 prospects in Day 2 of draft

As the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft drew closer, it became clear that the Pirates would not sign their top draft pick for full slot value, freeing up money for later in the draft. Their selection of catcher Henry Davis first overall Sunday should fall in line with that strategy.

A lot of that money should go to their next three picks, all high-schoolers: Left-handed pitcher Anthony Solometo, who was taken with the No. 37 pick, outfielder Lonnie White Jr. with their Competitive Balance Round B pick at No. 64 and right-hander Bubba Chandler at No. 72.

All three players are ranked in Baseball America's top-32 draft prospects and will almost certainly require overslot signing bonuses to forgo college.

Solometo, 18, was ranked as the No. 17 prospect coming into the draft by MLB Pipeline and No. 28 by Baseball America. The 6’5”, 218 pound southpaw was praised by MLB Pipeline for a plus fastball and slider, a good changeup and control. FanGraphs tracks his fastball velocity at 87-90 mph, maxing out at 94 mph, but he was clocked at 94-97 mph at the New Balance Future Stars Series in July.

He also has a pretty funky motion:

Solometo went 5-0 with a 0.21 ERA, 64 strikeouts and just five walks in 32 2/3 innings as a senior at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in New Jersey.

White, 18, was Baseball America's No. 32 pick ahead of the draft. MLB Pipeline had him at No. 72. FanGraphs gave him a 70-grade on his speed, the second-best in this draft class. Baseball America also gave him a 55-grade hit tool and 60-grade power, both of which are plus.

Chandler, 18, was ranked by Baseball America as the No. 20 available prospect, and MLB Pipeline had him at No. 21. While he was a first-round talent, he fell to the first pick of the third round because of signability concerns because he's a commit to play quarterback at Clemson. Chandler told Tom VanHarren of ESPN that he plans to sign with the Pirates.

Chandler was also considered a shortstop prospect as well, but the Pirates will develop him as a pitcher. FanGraphs tracks his fastball at 88-91 mph with rise, with all outlets agreeing he has a plus curveball.

Rounds 2-10 will be conducted Monday, and will conclude with rounds 11-20 Tuesday.

More draft coverage to come.