Much like Bubba Chandler last year, the Pirates have selected another two-way player in the third-round.
On Monday afternoon, the Pirates took right handed college pitcher/ third baseman Jack Brannigan out of Notre Dame.
The 21-year-old Junior is ranked 164 out of the top 250 prospects.
He is 6’1”, weighting 190lbs.
“Brannigan has the best college arm in the Midwest and can look like a first-rounder at times -- but it's hard to scout him on the mound. He worked just 14 2/3 innings this season, giving him 23 1/3 in three years at Notre Dame, and he prefers to play third base and wants to sign as a position player,” MLB Prospects website says. “A pro team may have to give him the opportunity to hit before trying to persuade him to become a full-time pitcher.”
MLB Prospects grades Brannigan’s fastball at 70, slider at 60 with an overall grade of 40.
His fastball can reach 100mph, with a good three pitch mix. While he was primarily a reliever for the Irish, he has the potential to be a starter.
Behind the plate, the Orland Park, Illinois native batted .291 with 62 hits, 15 doubles, one triple over 56 starts in 2022.
"A solid defender at third base with obvious arm strength, he makes contact from the right side of the plate and has the potential for average power but didn't drive the ball with wood bats in the Cape Cod League last summer," said the MLB's prospects page.