The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Tuesday that they have inked four additional college pitchers from the 2026 draft, pushing their total commitments to ten of the 21 players they have selected this year. The moves underscore the club’s intent to blend high‑upside talent with proven collegiate experience as the draft class takes shape.
Spotlight on the New Arms
Right‑hander Griffin Stieg, a Virginia Tech alumnus chosen in the 13th round, arrives after a college career that yielded a 7.46 ERA and 52 strikeouts across 66.1 innings. His season was cut short by Tommy John surgery, but the team sees his underlying stuff as a valuable long‑term asset.
Liam O’Leary, a St. John’s product drafted in the 15th round, earned ABCA/Rawlings All‑Region first‑team honors this year and posted an 8‑5 record with a 3.64 ERA, including three complete games in 17 starts. His ability to eat innings and deliver consistent performances adds a reliable option to the mix.
Nathan Helman, a Kennesaw State right‑hander selected in the 17th round, combined a 5.81 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 31 innings during his senior season with a dominant stretch in the California Collegiate League, where he posted a 1.64 ERA and 21 strikeouts in just 11 frames. The dual‑level production highlights his versatility and poise under pressure.
Left‑hander Dakota Stone from North Florida, a 20th‑round pick, compiled a 2.85 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 79 innings over his lone season with the Ospreys. His performance earned him an All‑ASUN selection in 2026, underscoring his impact as a premier collegiate left‑handed pitcher.
Strategic Outlook
The additions give the Pirates a deeper reservoir of arm talent, allowing the organization to spread its signing budget across a broader spectrum of talent while maintaining a focus on collegiate experience that can accelerate development timelines.
With ten of the 21 draft picks already under contract, the club is positioned to blend fresh college arms with its existing pipeline, a strategy that has historically yielded a steady flow of major‑league‑ready pitchers.