Pirates Agree To Terms With First-Round Draft Pick
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the signing of first-round draft pick, short stop Kevin Newman.
The 21-year-old short stop out of Arizona University was named a first-team Pac-12 selection this year after hitting .370 with 19 doubles, one triple, two home runs, 36 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 55 games.
Newman had success all throughout his time at Arizona as he was named to the Pac-12 all-conference team and Pac-12 all-defensive his sophomore season.
As a freshman, Newman earned Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honors and was named to the Pac-12 All-Conference team.
Newman will start his professional career with the Pirates Single-A Affiliate, the West Virginia Black Bears.
The Pirates' Director of Amateur Scouting Joe DelliCarri released a statement on the Newman signing saying, "We are excited to bring Kevin into our organization. We believe Kevin's baseball skills, athleticism and strong internal drive align well for his continual growth within our player development system and his path to playing for the Pirates at PNC Park."
The addition of Newman to the Pirates system brings more depth to the position for the franchise. Not only are Jordy Mercer and Jung-Ho Kang fighting for time at the position at the Major League level, the team invested their first round pick last year in high school shortstop Cole Tucker, who is currently playing at Single-A West Virginia.