The Pirates concluded their 2020 MLB Draft class Thursday — the team's first under new general manager Ben Cherington — by selecting Logan Hofmann, a 5-foot-10 right-handed pitcher out of Northwestern State.
For those keeping track at home, that makes five right-handed pitchers taken by the Pirates in six total picks, with only No. 7 overall selection Nick Gonzales (SS/2B) bucking that trend.
Hofmann was a 2019 Cape Cod League All-Star, where he went 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA/1.125 WHIP and one save in 16 innings pitched. In addition, Hofmann came out of the gates in 2020 with a purpose, going 4-0 in four starts with a 0.00 ERA and 0.679 WHIP. Yes. Zero. Earned. Runs.
He did this across 28 innings, striking out 38 and walking five along the way.
Hofmann pitched two seasons at Colby Community College prior to joining the Northwestern State University Demons. He was drafted by the Cardinals in the 35th round of the 2019 MLB Draft but did not sign and instead elected to return to college for his 2020 campaign. Clearly, he elevated his stock, and now the Pirates likely view him as an underslot pick, giving them flexibility to sign their earlier picks.
On Wednesday during Day 1 of the draft, the Pirates took Gonzales (No. 7 overall) and right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (No. 31 overall) in the first round. Thursday, they took three more right-handed pitchers: Jared Jones in the second round (No. 44 overall), Nick Garcia in the third (No. 79 overall) and Jack Hartman (No. 108 overall) in the fourth.
These pitchers all fall into a high-upside mold. None boasts significant experience, but they all bring something unique to the table and provide intriguing skillsets to craft and develop.
Now, we'll see what the Pirates can do with it.
For now, Cherington's first draft class in the captain's seat on Federal Street is a wrap.
