DK Pittsburgh Sports · Jun 11, 2020
Rival Reds pluck local star Hendrick at No. 12
Many local Pirates fans wanted to see West Allegheny high school slugger Austin Hendrick suit up in the black and gold.
Instead, they'll have to settle for red ... the Cincinnati Reds, to be exact.
With the No. 12 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft — five selections after the Pirates went with Nick Gonzales at No. 7 — the Reds took the power-hitting outfielder Hendrick, adding a little piece of Western Pennsylvania to their system.
Hendrick was widely regarded as one of the top 10 or so best draft prospects this year, so his draft placement is no surprise. His elite bat speed generates a great amount of power, making him one of the best high-school talents available.