Pirates Sign First-Round Draft Pick Derek Curiel

Danny DemilioSun, July 26, 2026 at 1:21 PM UTC·1 min read

The Pirates signed 2026 first-round draft pick Derek Curiel and will introduce their newest prospect with a press conference at PNC Park on Sunday morning. Curiel, who was selected with the fifth pick, signed for $6.2 million, saving the Pirates roughly $2.1 million, a source confirmed to Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

Curiel was an All-SEC second team selection and an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner following his sophomore season with the Tigers in 2026. The 21-year-old batted .353/.431/.526 with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 58 games.

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In his first season with LSU, Curiel was the D1Baseball National Freshman of the Year and an All-SEC second-team selection, while also being named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team after slashing .345/.470/.519 with 20 doubles, a pair of triples, seven home runs and 55 RBIs in 68 games. He helped lead the Tigers to their eighth national championship.

The Pirates have now signed 16 of their 21 draft picks. The deadline to sign is Monday at 5 p.m. ET.

The post Pirates Sign First-Round Draft Pick Derek Curiel appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.