The 2020 Major League Baseball Draft is upon us, friends.
After endless mock drafts, historical analysis and projections, it's time for new Pirates general manager Ben Cherington to take that stage and submit his first pick at the helm of the franchise.
The two-day event begins Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. ET, with live coverage on both MLB Network and ESPN. This marks the first time the MLB Draft will receive live, simultaneous primetime coverage.
Wednesday's coverage will include Round 1 and the Competitive Balance Round A. There, the Pirates have two picks:
• Round 1, No. 7 overall
• Competitive Balance Round A/Round 1, No. 31 overall
• Round 2, No. 44 overall
• Round 3, No. 79 overall
• Round 4, No. 108 overall
• Round 5, No. 138 overall
The Pirates' remaining picks, from Round 2 on, will take place Thursday, June 11, beginning at 5 p.m. ET. Day 2 will be aired on both MLB Network and ESPN 2.
There's no doubt this draft brings mega intrigue for Pirates fans across the globe, as it represents not just Cherington's first draft class but also a chance for the organization to make some serious, impactful moves.
That No. 7 overall pick has brought players such as Clayton Kershaw and Prince Fielder in recent years, and there's a significant pool of talent in the top-10 range for 2020 that could potentially provide a splash for the Pirates.
We've taken a look at several mock drafts in the lead up, seeing pitchers such as Emerson Hancock and Reid Detmers going to the Pirates alongside infielder Nick Gonzales and outfielder Heston Kjerstad. College flamethrower Max Meyer also lurks in the No. 7-overall range, while high-school arms in Nick Bitsko and Mick Abel deserve a long look, too.
The Pirates can go any direction with that pick, leaving the door open for any number of possibilities.
Tune in Wednesday to see which avenue Cherington chooses.
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