LSU Star Derek Curiel Goes Fifth to Pirates | Pittsburgh Pirates News

Derek Curiel, LSU’s elite center fielder, just became the fifth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates — a move that was practically written in the stars. Already a high school phenom, Curiel skyrocketed his stock with standout performances against top competition at LSU, showcasing elite range, a solid bat, and a knack for avoiding strikeouts. Projected as a lead-off hitter with a high ceiling, he’s the perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s future. This isn’t a fluke — it’s the third time in four years the Pirates have tapped into LSU’s pipeline, having selected Paul Skenes and Jared Jones before him, proving they’ve got a keen eye for the next big thing. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a06f7194570a5028