Pirates' Derek Curiel Awaits Pro Debut After Ankle Injury
Pittsburgh's fifth overall 2026 pick has yet to play a professional game nearly four months after being drafted.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Baseball
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected LSU outfielder Derek Curiel fifth overall in the 2026 MLB Draft, but he has not yet played a professional game. Curiel suffered a broken ankle in November 2025 before his sophomore season at LSU.
Why it matters
The organization has chosen to prioritize Curiel's rehabilitation and physical development over rushing him into games. The approach mirrors the slower paths taken by other recent Pirates prospects.
Curiel batted .349 across 126 games at LSU over two seasons and hit .353 with 18 doubles, six home runs and 13 stolen bases in his sophomore year. He has increased his weight from roughly 188 to 200 pounds and hopes to reach 210 before spring training.
The players
Derek Curiel
Derek Curiel is an LSU outfielder whom the Pittsburgh Pirates selected fifth overall in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Michael Chernow
Michael Chernow serves as the Pirates' director of coaching and player development.
The details
Pirates director of coaching and player development Michael Chernow said the organization worked with Curiel on a long-term plan that puts rehabilitation first. Curiel is also adjusting his swing to generate more elevation and power, and he has started his offseason training earlier than usual.
Timeline
November 2025: Curiel broke his ankle before his sophomore season at LSU.
2026 MLB Draft: Pittsburgh selected Curiel fifth overall.
Before spring training: Curiel aims to reach 210 pounds.
2027: Curiel's first professional season is expected.
Season Trajectory
Pittsburgh's handling of Curiel follows the development approach it used with Konnor Griffin, who did not make his affiliated debut until the year after being drafted in 2024. Murf Gray followed a similar path before his 2026 breakout campaign.
Fantasy managers tracking Pittsburgh's prospects should expect Curiel to be unavailable for professional stats until his 2027 debut. His weight and swing changes will determine how quickly he can contribute once he reaches the field.
The takeaway
Pittsburgh's patient approach with Curiel shows the organization is willing to trade early game time for long-term physical readiness. Fans should judge his progress by development milestones rather than by immediate box-score production.
What happens next
Curiel's first professional season is projected for 2027, and he hopes to reach 210 pounds before spring training.
Further reading
For more on the team's approach, explore Pittsburgh Baseball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rum Bunter.
