Pirates sign 10 draft picks, including 1st-rounder Will Craig

The Pirates announced the signings of 10 players chosen during the 2016 MLB draft, including first-round pick Will Craig. All 10 played in college last season and will begin with either short-season Class A West Virginia or the rookie-level Bristol.

Craig is the most notable of the group after starring at Wake Forest and being taken with the 22nd overall selection in the first round of the MLB draft. The third baseman batted .379 with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs for the Demon Deacons last year, and was named a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, which is awarded to the top collegiate player. Craig will begin his professional career with West Virginia, which means he’s two steps away from playing at McKechnie Field.

“The Pirates are excited to bring Will into our organization,” director of amateur scouting Joe DelliCarri said in a release. “We believe Will’s strong abilities as a hitter, along with the strengths he brings as a competitor and a person, align well for his continued growth within our player development system.”

The nine other players were all chosen between the fifth and 22nd rounds and seven will join Craig with the Black Bears.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 9:46 PM with the headline "Pirates sign 10 draft picks, including 1st-rounder Will Craig."