The Pirates selected several college players in the amateur draft Tuesday and appear close to a deal with at least one of their top picks.
High school right-hander Gunnar Hoglund, whom the Pirates chose 36th overall with the first pick of the competitive balance round, told the Tampa Bay Times on Tuesday that he agreed to terms with the Pirates and will fly to Pittsburgh soon to sign the deal.
The value of the pick is $1,967,900. Hoglund is committed to Mississippi.
The 18-year-old from Fivay High School in Hudson, Fla., struck out 105 batters in 52u2153 innings and walked only two, both in his final start, when he was reportedly recovering from the flu.