City of Champions
Fansided

Pirates Draft Grade: Nick Lodolo

By Rich Donahue

May 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff stretch in the outfield before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Members of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff stretch in the outfield before playing the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Nick Lodolo with their Comp Round A pick in the MLB Draft.

After drafting Wake Forest’s Will Craig in the first round of the MLB Draft, the Pirates selected high school pitcher Nick Lodolo 41st overall with their comp A pick.

The left hander is from Damien High School in California.  It is the highest the Pirates have drafted a pitcher since they took Gerrit Cole 1st overall in 2011.

Lodolo was the 78th (Baseball America) and 85th (MLB.com) rated prospect in this year’s draft.  The tall 6’6 lefthander is currently committed to TCU to play baseball, but the Pirates should have no trouble signing him.  This pick in the draft is allotted over $1.6 million.

More from Pittsburgh Pirates

If Lodolo does sign, he will have ways to go in developing into a major league ready talent.  He has been clocked on the gun at 92-93 mph. Lodolo has struggled recently with his velocity, hitting only 88-90 mph on his fastball.  His curveball has been inconsistent as well.

It is always hit or miss with high school prospects especially with pitchers.  The Pirates have hit on guys like Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow.  However, they have had their fair share of failures straight out of high school.  Many guys have not even made it out of the minor leagues.

Grade: C+

Lodolo is still growing into his lengthy frame, which is very similar to former Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum.  Though he may not develop into a stud like Lincecum, he could develop into a quality starter in the majors far down the road.

Next: The Evolution of Gregory Polanco

I’ve always viewed the MLB Draft as a craps shot after the first round is complete.  When they get past those 30 picks, teams will always be more risky in their drafting.  We will see if this pick pays off the Pirates four or five years from now.

Home/Pittsburgh Pirates