ST. LOUIS -- Nine months following their 20th straight losing season, the Pirates selected Austin Meadows ninth overall in the Major League Baseball Draft. Meadows, a high school outfielder from Loganville, Ga., was ranked the draft's sixth-best prospect, according to Baseball America.
Three years later, he was ranked sixth in Baseball America's Top 100; however, he played 420 games in the minor leagues before making his major-league debut. Unlike top draft picks in football and basketball, those selected high by MLB teams, more often than not, must make a long trek through the minor leagues before competing in the majors.
While college players can contribute earlier, there are often high school players with more potential upside who will need more seasoning in the minors. The Pirates, selecting in the top 10 for the first time since 2013, must decide which category to choose from with their first pick when the MLB Draft begins Monday night.
On Day 1, they hold the 10th overall pick in the first round, the the first pick in Competitive Balance Round A, 36th overall, and the 51st overall pick. Rounds three through 10 will be held on Tuesday, followed by 11 through 40 on Wednesday.
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