LSU Star Becomes Pirates' Top Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates Draft LSU Outfielder Derek Curiel Fifth Overall in 2026 MLB Draft
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Key Points
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Curiel demonstrated defensive versatility by transitioning from left field as a freshman to center field as a sophomore, ultimately solidifying himself as a center-field defender with multiple diving catches and a track record of solid range.
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Curiel faced injury early in the 2026 season, playing through a broken left ankle at the start of the year, yet still produced impressive numbers and maintained a strong power-stroke with a .526 slugging percentage by season's end.
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He bypassed the 2024 MLB Draft out of high school to join LSU, and in 2026 he became the first LSU player or signee drafted that year, continuing LSU's recent run of top-round picks (Paul Skenes went No. 1 in 2023 for the Pirates; Kade Anderson went No. 3 in 2025 for the Mariners).
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In the 2026 college season, Curiel posted a .353 batting average with 18 doubles, 2 triples, and 6 home runs, contributing 46 RBIs, 64 runs and 13 stolen bases, while ranking among the league leaders in several categories (No. 4 in batting average, No. 5 in hits, No. 9 in doubles, etc.).
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected LSU outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, according to Yahoo Sports. The slot value for the pick is $8.34 million, reflecting Curiel's standing as one of the top prospects in the country.
Curiel spent two seasons in Baton Rouge, hitting .349 with a .975 OPS across his college career. He helped LSU win the 2025 national title and becomes the first Tiger taken off the board in this year's draft, per Yahoo Sports.
From Broken Ankle to Top-Five Draft Pick
Curiel's 2026 season started with a broken left ankle. He played through it anyway. By season's end, he posted a .353 batting average with 18 doubles, 6 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, according to WBRZ. He also ranked fourth in the SEC in batting average and fifth in hits.
Over two seasons at LSU, Curiel totaled 38 doubles, 131 runs, 101 RBIs, and 87 walks. His .526 slugging percentage in 2026 helped quiet any doubts about his power. Scouts project him to hit 12 to 15 home runs per season at the pro level.
Center Field Defense Seals His Draft-Day Case
Curiel moved from left field as a freshman to center field as a sophomore. The transition stuck. Scouts now view him as a long-term center fielder with strong range and instincts, per Fox 8 Live. His arm is considered fringe-average, but his glove and speed more than compensate.
His defensive value is a key reason Pittsburgh invested $8.34 million in him. Multiple diving catches and clean footwork in center field stood out during the college season. Some scouts have drawn early comparisons to Christian Yelich based on his bat-to-ball skills and outfield versatility.
LSU's Pipeline Keeps Producing Top-10 MLB Picks
Curiel is the latest in a line of LSU stars drafted in the top five. Paul Skenes went No. 1 overall to the Pirates in 2023. Kade Anderson went No. 3 to the Mariners in 2025. Now Curiel goes No. 5 — back to Pittsburgh, per WGNO.
Curiel bypassed the 2024 MLB Draft out of high school to attend LSU. That decision paid off. He won a national title in his first year and earned Third-Team All-American and Second-Team All-SEC honors in his second, according to Yahoo Sports. LSU's development track clearly carries real weight with MLB front offices.
What Curiel Brings to a Rebuilding Pirates Roster
Pittsburgh gets a left-handed hitter with elite contact skills and plus speed. Curiel's 16 career stolen bases and 131 runs scored signal a top-of-the-order profile. His bat-to-ball ability — paired with strong on-base skills — fits the kind of table-setter contending teams build around.
Power remains the one question mark. Scouts cap his ceiling at 12 to 15 homers per year. But if his defense holds in center and his contact rate translates to pro pitching, Curiel could move through Pittsburgh's system quickly, per WGNO.
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