Jonathan Mayo's latest mock MLB Draft has the Pirates taking California high school lefty pitcher Max Fried:
Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero is in the mix and Mississippi State right-hander Chris Stratton will get considered if the three aforementioned college pitchers are gone. But the Pirates have shown they like good young arms and Fried is one of the best this year.
High school outfielder Albert Almora and shortstop Carlos Correa go to the Cubs and Padres, respectively, with the two previous picks, which would be a shame. Fried is a high-upside pitcher who has been compared to Clayton Kershaw, and he certainly appears to be a better prospect than Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero, who mock drafters often have the Pirates taking, but it would be nice if the Pirates were able to add a high-upside bat like Almora or University of Florida catcher Mike Zunino (who goes to the Mariners at No. 3 in this draft).
For more on the draft, check out Minor League Ball.