Pirates select Quinn Priester 18th overall in 2019 Draft

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have drafted right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester with the 18th overall selection in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President and General Manager Neal Huntington and Senior Director of Amateur Scouting Joe DelliCarri.

The 18-year-old Priester attended Cary-Grove (IL) High School, where he posted a 6-2 record with a 1.20 ERA entering the post-season. He also surrendered just 25 hits and 11 walks in 46.2 innings pitched while striking out 73 batters.

"We are excited tonight to have selected Quinn Priester," said DelliCarri. "We believe Quinn is a good athlete consistently reaching solid to above average stuff and the aptitude, arm action, athleticism and delivery to add. We are confident that we are adding not only a quality pitcher, but also a quality young man who will add to our culture."

Priester was named the 2018-19 Gatorade Illinois Player-of-the-Year. The 6'3" righthander was a two-sport athlete at Cary-Grove, where he played wide receiver and defensive back on the high school's football team that went 14-0 and won a Class 6A state championship in 2018.

Priester was also named a 2019 Rawlings Perfect Game Pre-Season All-American this year.