Pittsburgh Pirates sign LSU outfielder Derek Curiel and pitcher Jason DeCaro

The Pittsburgh Pirates have completed two key draft signings ahead of the 2026 season. On July 26 the club announced a $6.2 million contract with LSU outfielder Derek Curiel, the fifth‑overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. The deal sits about $2.1 million under the slot value, giving Pittsburgh additional flexibility for other signings, and positions Curiel as a potential future starter in the outfield.

In a separate agreement, third‑round draftee Jason DeCaro, a former UNC pitcher, secured an above‑slot signing bonus of $1.3 million, exceeding his projected slot value of $1.035 million. Both contracts were disclosed by MLB.com reporter Jim Callis and will be formalized at PNC Park before the Pirates' series finale against the Chicago Cubs.

The signings add depth to Pittsburgh’s farm system, with Curiel expected to bring contact‑first hitting and strong defense, while DeCaro bolsters the organization’s pitching prospects.