OF Dylan Crews, LSU ($9,721,000 slot value)
We are in the golden age of prospect hyperbole and Crews, owner of a .434/.576/.735 slash line this spring, has been compared to Mike Trout and called the best draft prospect since Bryce Harper. I don't know whether any of that is true. I do know Crews is an excellent prospect, the consensus No. 1 player in the draft class, and an easy call for the No. 1 pick in our mock draft. The Pirates are on the rise and Crews would give them a potential difference-maker who could arrive quickly.
It should be noted the Pirates have opted for the portfolio approach in recent years, meaning they took a player willing to sign a below slot bonus with their first selection, then spent the savings on high-upside talent later. Doing that with the No. 1 pick when a player as good as Crews is available seems unwise, though it's certainly possible. Indiana high school outfielder Max Clark has been rumored as a possible No. 1 pick candidate should Pittsburgh opt for that strategy again.
