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The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed their first-round pick, Will Craig to a contract worth $2,253,700, which is full slot value.
Craig was selected 22nd overall by the Pirates out of Wake Forest. The signing was confirmed by the team’s Instagram account and he was introduced this afternoon at PNC Park.
The Pirates have signed first round draft selection Will Craig. #MLBDraft
Craig, a junior for the Demon Deacons hit .379 this season with 16 home runs. His most impressive statistic was his .731 slugging percentage, which ranked third nationally. He was also a pitcher in Winston-Salem but was drafted for his bat and defense. He appeared in 19 games on the mound in 2016, all in relief. He posted a 2-0 record with nine saves and a 3.54 ERA.
The first-rounder’s accolades include 2015 ACC Player of the Year and selections to multiple first-team All-American lists. He was also an alternate for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.
Craig played third base at Wake Forest, though some speculate that he may have to move to first due to a lack of athleticism. He’s a quality offensive player who has great plate discipline, bat speed and above-average power.
He’ll be immediately assigned to Class-A West Virginia, where the majority of collegiate ball players begin their professional careers. Athletes straight out of high school are normally assigned to either the rookie league or Short-Season Single-A once they’ve been signed.
Craig was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 37th round of the 2013 MLB Entry Draft but opted to honor his commitment to Wake Forest. It certainly paid off as his exceptional collegiate career has put him in a position to reach the big leagues much sooner.
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