Latest mock draft links Pirates to a blazing-fast prep slugger with pick No. 5

1 hour ago 2

It has been an up-and-down season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. While they were missing offense with a dominant pitching staff last year, things have flip-flopped this season.

The offseason acquisitions of Brandon Lowe and Ryan O'Hearn have really paid off, as well as bringing up Konnor Griffin, but the stable of arms has struggled.

Going into Friday's games, they hold a 44-44 record, which puts them in fourth place in the National League Central. So, while the team looks to close the gap, the front office is putting together its draft plans.

MORE: Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez makes Pittsburgh baseball history not done since Andrew McCutchen

Latest mock draft links Pirates to a blazing-fast prep slugger with pick No. 5

To put it simply, the Pirates have become accustomed to having a high first-round draft pick over the years. Last year, they had pick No. 6, and this year, they are drafting one spot higher with pick No. 5.

There's going to be a handful of elite players to be taken here. They could take a college arm, a college bat, but MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo believes Mississippi high school outfielder Eric Booth Jr. would be a great pick for the Buccos.

"The Pirates had success picking from the Mississippi high school ranks a couple of years ago, and Booth does have serious tools. This could mostly be a discussion between the speed/athleticism/upside of Booth and their advanced college arm of Flora."

Booth is one of the fastest players in this entire class, which surely helps him in the outfield, along with a solid arm.

Offensively, Booth has an unconventional left-handed setup, but still mashes baseball due to his bat speed and strength that translate into impressive exit velocities.

There is a world where the Pirates decide to take UC Santa Barbara ace Jackson Flora, but Mayo slightly leans toward Booth being the pick for Pittsburgh.