All of the focus from Sunday night is deservedly on the Pirates selecting LSU ace Paul Skenes with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. But, they made two additional picks, as well.
The Pirates stuck with the college route with their second-round pick, 42nd overall, selecting shortstop Mitch Jebb out of Michigan State. But, with their Round B compensatory pick, 67th overall, they dipped their toe in the high school pool by selecting right-handed pitcher Zander Mueth from Belleville Township East High School in Illinois.
Jebb was the No. 46 prospect in MLB.com's Top 250 rankings and No. 62 in Baseball America's Top 500. He made the Big Ten All-Freshman team in 2021 and, as a sophomore, slashed .356/.429/.490 with 10 doubles and 20 stolen bases. Following that season, he played in the Cape Cod League, where he ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the circuit and continued to hit for average and showcase his speed on the bases. And for 2023 draft season at Michigan State, Jebb slashed .337/.438/.495 with a 13.3% walk rate and 11.6% strikeout rate.
At 6-1, 185 pounds, Jebb has an unorthodox swing from the left side of the plate. According to Baseball America's scouting report, he has a "crouched and hunched over stance and slappy approach designed to spray line drives to all fields." BA also praises Jebb's bat speed, but rates his contact over his power, crediting him with "strong" bat-to-ball skills as he managed an 88% contact rate in 2023, including a 93% in-zone contact rate to go with solid pitch recognition.
Jebb's 60-grade running is his strongest tool and has good range defensively. His future at shortstop is in question, as second base or center field could be a possibility for him down the road.
Mueth will be far behind Skenes in terms of when he can make an impact, as he turned 18 years old on June 22. However, by selecting Mueth with the 67th overall pick, the Pirates landed one of the more intriguing prep pitchers as he was BA's No. 56 prospect.
At 6-6 and 210 pounds, BA reports that scouts were blown away by impressive arm speed and fastball velocity that's been on the rise for the past 18 months. He has a funky arm slot that can be either three-quarter or sidearm at times, but touched between 95-97 mph early in games then settle into the 92-95 range as his pitch count increased.
Mueth's velocity isn't his only strength as he gets heavy arm-side run and sink on his fastball. He also throws a sweeping, low 80s slider that BA says has the potential to serve as a putaway pitch, and that his mid-80s changeup has a heavy dropping action as it approaches the plate.
As it is with most high school arms, Mueth needs to improve his command and consistency at the next level. A team source told DK Pittsburgh Sports that the Pirates are betting on Mueth's projectability given his frame and ability to pitch in cold weather. He could profile as a fourth starting pitcher.
Mueth is committed to Mississippi, so the Pirates might have to go over the $1,128,200 slot value for Mueth. However, the Pirates could very well go under slot with Jebb, and there's a chance they also recoup some bonus pool money if Skenes signs under slot, as well.
The MLB Draft continues Monday at 2 p.m. with rounds 3-10.
