Pirates Draft Grade: Travis MacGregor
By Rich Donahue
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Travis MacGregor in the second round of the MLB Draft.
After selecting California High School southpaw Nick Lodolo, the Pirates decided to add another high school pitching prospect into the system. This time from the state of Florida. With the 68th overall pick in the second round, the Bucs drafted East Lake righthander Travis MacGregor.
MacGregor is currently committed to the University of Clemson though he should sign with the Pirates because of how high he was drafted. MLB.com did not rank the high school righty in their top 200 prospects while Baseball America rated him 186th overall. Lodolo was also considered over drafted by the Pirates.
Scouts say MacGregor has to improve the velocity on his pitches. His fastball hits in the high 80’s and low 90’s. He has been clocked as high as 94 on the gun. MacGregor has a curveball and changeup that can be above average with a little coaching and tweaking.
Like Lodolo, the East Lake product has length, standing at 6’3. He will have plenty of time will out his frame as he progresses in the Pirates system.
Grade: C
As with their previous picks, the Pirates are once again taking a flier on a high school prospect. It will be four to five years until you see MacGregor or Lodolo in the majors.
Next: Pirates Draft Grade: Will Craig
MacGregor has the chance to be a quality starter in this league, whether that is with the Pirates or not