The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed another one of their top draft choices, this time signing fourth round pick Taylor Gushue. Jim Callis reports that the catcher received the full slot value of $388,800.
Another @Pirates deal: 4th-rder Taylor Gushue for $388,800 (full pick value). Florida C, SH w/some pop & some defensive chops. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 12, 2014
Gushue has the potential to be a solid all-around catcher. He was younger than most of the college players in the draft, due to enrolling in school a semester early. He spent his first year playing behind Mike Zunino at Florida, then started as the full time catcher his sophomore season. He’s a switch hitter with a compact swing from both sides, and has the chance for average power one day. Defensively he needs some work, but has an average arm, quick release, and a good frame behind the plate.
The Draft Pick Signing Tracker has been updated with the move.
Tim started Pirates Prospects in 2009 from his home in Virginia, which was 40 minutes from where Pedro Alvarez made his pro debut in Lynchburg. That year, the Lynchburg Hillcats won the Carolina League championship, and Pirates Prospects was born from Tim's reporting along the way. The site has grown over the years to include many more writers, and Tim has gone on to become a credentialed MLB reporter, producing Pirates Prospects each year, and will publish his 11th Prospect Guide this offseason. He has also served as the Pittsburgh Pirates correspondent for Baseball America since 2019. Behind the scenes, Tim is an avid music lover, and most of the money he gets paid to run this site goes to vinyl records.
pleasantly surprised that he signed for slot. Potentially a good surplus of money if Joe signs underslot.
Wasn’t he the YOUNGEST college player in the draft?
I believe he was 20.47 while the average was 21.42 .
El G: I think his birthdate is in December 1993, so he is in his age 20 season and has a lot of upside.