The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced that the club has selected outfielder Derek Curiel (pronounced “cur-EE-el”) out of Louisiana State University with the fifth overall selection in the first round of the 2026 First-Year Player Draft.
Baseball America tabbed Curiel as the best hitter, as well as one of the top defensive outfielders, among all college-level players in this year’s draft.
“Derek is an exciting addition to our organization and someone who we believe has the talent, character and work ethic to make a meaningful impact,” said Pirates Senior Vice President, Assistant General Manager Kevan Graves. “He is a well-rounded, athletic player with an advanced approach at the plate, exceptional bat-to-ball skills and the ability to impact the game in all facets.”
The 21-year-old Curiel, who was an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner after committing only two errors in 134 total chances (.985 fielding percentage) as a sophomore in 2026, also hit .353 (82-for-232) with 18 doubles, two triples, six home runs, 46 RBI, 34 walks, 13 stolen bases, a .957 OPS and 64 runs scored in 58 games during his second season with the Tigers. He was an All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection, while also being selected to the conference’s All-Defensive Team.
He was the D1Baseball National Freshman of the Year and an All-SEC second-team selection, while also being named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team, after batting .345 (89-for-258) with 20 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 55 RBI, 53 walks, a .990 OPS and 67 runs in 68 games in 2025. He helped guide the Tigers to their eighth national championship and second in three seasons.
“His accomplishments in the SEC speak for themselves, but what stood out just as much throughout the evaluation process was the person,” Graves said. “Derek is also an outstanding teammate, relentlessly driven to improve and a fierce competitor who is committed to being the best version of himself every day. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Pirates organization.”
Curiel hit a combined .349 (171-for-490) with 38 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 101 RBI, 16 stolen bases, 87 walks, a .975 OPS and 131 runs scored in 126 games during his two seasons at LSU. He made just two errors over 232 total chances (.991 fielding percentage) in two years with the Tigers.