Derek Curiel Selected 5th Overall by Pirates

Draft Day Highlights

Derek Curiel left Baton Rouge with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, July 11. MLB.com projects his slot value at $8.34 million, giving LSU coach Jay Johnson a first‑round selection for the second straight year. Kade Anderson went No. 3 to the Seattle Mariners in 2025, and Curiel’s addition marks three first‑round picks for LSU in the past four seasons. The Pirates also selected Paul Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, underscoring the strength of LSU’s recent haul.

College Career Snapshot

Curiel has been LSU’s top professional prospect for the last two seasons after choosing Baton Rouge over a high‑school spotlight. As a sophomore, he split time between left and center field, posting a .349 batting average and a .975 on‑base plus slugging. Over two years he hit 13 home runs, produced a .522 slugging percentage, and collected 38 doubles, 131 runs, 101 RBIs, 87 walks and 16 stolen bases. His left‑handed power and run‑producing ability made him a focal point in LSU’s offensive lineup.

Draft Legacy and Context

LSU’s recent run to the draft board mirrors a broader resurgence in college baseball. The addition of Curiel follows Johnson’s program delivering three first‑round picks in four years, a stretch that includes Anderson’s early first‑round haul. The Pirates’ earlier selection of Skenes in 2023 shows they have a history of targeting elite talent from the same conference, and Curiel fits that pattern as a high‑floor, high‑ceiling athlete.

Future Outlook and Personal Note

While Curiel’s $8.34 million projection signals immediate confidence from the Pirates, his status at LSU remains fluid. After a disappointing 2026 campaign, the outfielder said he had spoken with coach Johnson about returning, but he “definitely don’t have all my eggs in one basket yet.” Curiel added that “I obviously want to be a Tiger forever. I told him, if there’s a coach I could play for forever, it would be him.” The quote captures his desire to stay in Baton Rouge while keeping his options open for the upcoming season. If he returns, LSU will have a proven star who can still contribute to a program that continues to fill its draft slots with top‑tier talent. If he heads north, the Pirates will look for him to provide a dependable bat in the outfield within a few short months.