Draft Day Moves Shape Pirates' Future
The Pittsburgh Pirates unveiled four fresh signings on Thursday, a move that nudges their 2026 draft class to fifteen of the twenty‑one allotted slots. The announcements underscore the club’s aggressive approach to building a deep talent pool across both high school and college ranks.
Aiden Ruiz, a high‑school shortstop from New York, was the centerpiece of the latest haul. Ranked among the top 35 prospects by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, Ruiz signed for a second‑round pick. He will forgo a commitment to Vanderbilt, where he was slated to play college baseball, and instead embark on a professional career that already includes a .403/.547/.625 slash line and a state‑title‑winning senior season with his New York independent‑school team.
Joining Ruiz is Jason DeCaro, a college pitcher out of North Carolina who earned a third‑round selection. DeCaro concluded his junior year with an 11‑3 record and a 2.87 ERA, garnering All‑Atlantic Coast Conference first‑team honors and a D1Baseball All‑American second‑team nod. MLB Pipeline placed him at No. 133 overall, reflecting a blend of durability and upside that the Pirates hope will translate quickly to the minor leagues.
The Pirates also added outfielder Andruw Giles, a Nevada high‑school product who will forgo a pledge to Oregon. Giles posted a .409/.606/.935 slash line in his senior year, showcasing both power and on‑base skills that earned him a fourth‑round contract. His combination of speed, arm strength and bat speed makes him a compelling five‑tool prospect.
Completing the quartet is right‑hander Spencer Evans, a Florida high‑school pitcher selected in the 11th round. Evans brings an above‑average fastball that consistently sits in the mid‑90s, complemented by a promising slider and changeup. Baseball America listed him as the 144th‑best draft‑eligible prospect, highlighting his projectable frame and pitch mix.
The signings reflect a strategic blend of immediate impact players and high‑upside developmental talent. By securing these prospects, the Pirates aim to accelerate the timeline of their rebuilding effort while maintaining a robust pipeline of talent that can contribute at the major‑league level in the near future.