The Pittsburgh Pirates invested the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft in LSU outfielder Derek Curiel, hoping his advanced hitting ability would eventually translate into a significant major league contributor. But nearly four months after hearing his name called, Curiel still hasn't played a single professional game.
While the Pirates insist their cautious approach is intentional, their prized first-rounder is already entering his first full professional offseason without valuable minor league experience.
The decision stems partly from a broken ankle Curiel suffered in November 2025, before his sophomore season at LSU. Although he played through the injury and produced an impressive collegiate campaign, Pittsburgh determined that additional rehabilitation and physical development should take priority over getting him into games.