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Pirates draft Connor Joe with competitive balance pick

Justin K. Aller

After their surprising selection of Arizona high school shortstop Cole Tucker at No. 24, the Pirates took C/OF Connor Joe from the University of San Diego with the No. 39 overall pick. Joe isn't incredibly highly regarded either, so this doesn't explain the Tucker pick. MLB.com ranks Joe the No. 110 overall talent in the draft. Baseball America ranks him No. 102. He's new to catching and has a reasonable bat, so if the Pirates believe he can stick at catcher, they might have something. Baseball America praises his patience and level swing, so his offensive approach could work well for him in the minors.

Still, this probably isn't a player who should cost much to sign. The Tucker pick was a strange one, and this one is a little odd too. At this point, I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The Brewers just took Jacob Gatewood at No. 41 overall; he had been connected to the Pirates at No. 24 and looked like a potential fit when he fell to No. 39.