Pirates select LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with No. 5 overall in 2026 MLB Draft

The Pittsburgh Pirates used their first‑round pick to take LSU center‑fielder Derek Curiel fifth overall in the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft in Philadelphia. Curiel, a left‑handed contact hitter who posted a .353/.452/.526 slash line with 38 doubles and 13 homers over two college seasons, was praised for his elite bat‑to‑ball skills, speed and defensive ability in center field. He described his approach as “Pete Rose‑style baseball,” emphasizing hustle, diving catches and aggressive baserunning. The selection was seen as a surprise by draft analysts but fit the Pirates’ strategy of adding a steady bat to support their recent ace Paul Skenes.

Other notable first‑day picks included University of Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson (37th, Colorado Rockies), pitcher Joey Volchko (77th, Chicago White Sox) and outfielder Rylan Lujo (109th, Los Angeles Angels). High‑school standouts Keon Johnson and Drew Burress, both with Middle Georgia ties, were expected to be early selections. The Minnesota Twins drafted former Virginia Tech pitcher Brett Renfrow in the second round (74th overall). The draft’s opening four rounds featured 135 selections and was broadcast on NBC, Peacock and MLB Network. The event highlighted the continued flow of collegiate talent into professional baseball and the strategic decisions of clubs shaping their future rosters.