Pirates select elite defensive shortstop Ruiz with 44th overall Draft pick

After taking Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Pirates selected high school shortstop Aiden Ruiz with the 44th pick on Saturday. Ruiz’s selection, followed by Chris Rembert from Auburn seven picks later, filled out three position players in the first three picks for Pittsburgh.

In a class teeming with highly ranked shortstops, Ruiz -- MLB Pipeline’s No. 32 Draft prospect -- stands out for his elite glove.

On the traditional 20-80 scouting scale, Pipeline gives Ruiz a 65-grade field tool and a 60-grade arm tool. The 19-year-old shortstop won the Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year award following his 2025 season at The Stony Brook School in N.Y.

Ruiz put in plenty of hard work to become an elite defender. Growing up, he practiced with his dad, Samuel, who played in the Minor Leagues with the White Sox in the 1980s. They took to public parks throughout New York City, where Ruiz grew deft at handling odd bounces and caroms. He watched old film of Ozzie Smith, Roberto Alomar and Derek Jeter; now, he emulates his game after Bobby Witt Jr. and Francisco Lindor -- the latter having served as a mentor and training partner.

“We always talk about fielding,” Ruiz told the New York Post about his relationship with Lindor.

Ruiz is verbally committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt. Even as a high schooler, though, he’s plenty accomplished.

Last year, Ruiz manned shortstop for Team USA at the WBSC U-18 World Cup, beating out a number of other high-profile high school shortstops for the role. He led the U.S. to a gold medal and even earned a spot on the All-World team.

Ruiz, who is listed at 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, is also a switch-hitter, something he picked up at the age of 13. He’s also a switch-thrower: When he plays outfield, he throws left-handed, but at shortstop, he’s a right-handed thrower.

At the plate, Ruiz is a contact-first hitter with plus bat control. His bat also stood out at last month’s Draft Combine, as he made more of an impact at the plate. That aligns with what Ruiz told MLB Network: His goal is to be a “difference-maker.”

Aiden Ruiz, INF

• Round 2, Pick 44
• Bats/throws: S/S
• School: Stony Brook High School (NY)
• Calling Card: Ruiz is an elite defender who is arguably the best defensive shortstop in the Draft. He’s listed as a switch-thrower, throwing left-handed from the outfield and right-handed in the infield.
• Quote: “We always talk about fielding. It’s always cool to meet your heroes.” -- Ruiz, on training with his favorite player, Lindor

Chris Rembert, 2B

• Round 2, Pick 51
• Bats/throws: R/R
• School: Auburn
• Calling Card: Rembert has some of the best bat speed in the Draft, and enters professional baseball as a Draft-eligible sophomore.
• Quote: “I have always had a strong approach, but coming to Auburn has just sharpened that approach. What we do at practice plays a lot into my success. Sticking to my approach and not switching it up based on the pitcher or count has helped. I just stick to who I am and what I am good at.” -- Rembert, on his improved approach

Jason DeCaro, RHP

• Round 3, Pick 80
• Bats/throws: R/R
• School: North Carolina
• Calling Card: DeCaro reclassified from the 2024 class to 2023 and is just 20 years old. His stardom helped the Tar Heels reach the College World Series finals.
• Quote: “Just accepted that [it could be the last game], and there’s no reason to think about what happens if we don’t win. Just knew the stakes going into it, and just accepted it, and tried to go out there and execute.” -- DeCaro, after his performance in UNC’s super regional