MLB Draft 2017: Pirates Roundup, Picks 16-20

16th round (478 overall): Hunter Stratton, RHP, Walters State (Tenn.) CC

The Pirates took a second Hunter from Walters state, taking Baseball America’s 20th-ranked draft prospect from Tennessee. Stratton struck out 79 in 66 1-3 innings this season and threw back-to-back no-hitters.

17th round (508): Mason Martin, RF, Southridge HS, Wash.

Martin has potential plus power with a compact swing and good bat speed, says BA, which lists him as a first baseman. BA had Martin 312th in its draft rankings and and fifth in the state of Washington. He has a commitment to Gonzaga.

18th round (538): Shea Murray, RHP, Ohio State U.

Murray is a fifth-year senior and should be a quick sign. He pitched sparingly out of the bullpen before shifting to the outfield this season. He was drafted by the Rangers in the 39th round in 2015, also as a pitcher.

19th round (568): Jacob Webb, Pittsburg HS, Kan.

The Pittsburg Kid, Webb presumably grew to be 6’4”, 185 eating chipped ham, jumbo and sandwiches with cole slaw and fries on them, despite growing up in Kansas, actually. Prep Baseball Report says his fastball sits 85-90 MPH and he has a curve at 76-79. He has a commitment to Kansas State.

PHS baseball head coach Keith Matlock said that Webb’s work ethic was top notch.

“In his time here, he has grown a lot,” he said. “He came in as a tall, lanky kid, trying to figure out where the ball was going and then made a commitment that he wanted to be better at baseball. Over the last two years he has continued to grow and has grown mentally and has better command. He has just put a whole lot of time into baseball this past year and it’s made him a better player.”

http://www.morningsun.net/sports/20161109/four-phs-student-athletes-sign-with-colleges

20th round (598): Will Reed, Harford (Md.) CC

BA ranked Reed 235th among draft prospects and fourth in a good group from Maryland. He’s old for a JuCo sophomore, having spent time at Division II Shepherd. He has a commitment to go back to NCAA ball with West Virginia, and he may expect higher-slot money to sign. BA says his fastball sits 91-94 MPH and has hit 95, with better control emerging through the season.