Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Andrew Duncan in 19th Round of 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates added Wright State outfielder Andrew Duncan in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB Draft, selecting him No. 558 overall. The move gives the club a .367 career average and a national‑lead tie in triples, bolstering a roster that sits 8th in the National League with a 50-47 record and a three‑game winning streak.

Who is Andrew Duncan and what did he achieve?

Andrew Duncan posted a .367 batting average and stole 19 bases in his lone season with the Raiders, leading the Horizon League. He also tied for the national lead with eight triples, a rare display of speed and power. After stints at Florida State and Tallahassee State College, Duncan transferred to Wright State, where he earned First‑Team All‑League honors and helped capture the regular‑season Horizon League title.

Why does the Pirates’ selection matter?

The Pirates are in a rebuilding phase, and Duncan’s profile matches their need for contact hitters who can create extra‑base opportunities. His ability to leg out triples suggests he can stretch hits into runs, a skill the Pirates lack after a modest offensive output this season. Adding a player who excelled in a competitive mid‑major conference gives Pittsburgh a low‑risk, high‑upside prospect.

How does this fit into Pittsburgh’s current season?

Pittsburgh entered the weekend with a 50-47 record, sitting eighth in the NL and riding a three‑game winning streak. The club’s most recent triumph was a 14-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on July 12, 2026, showcasing a potent offense that could benefit from Duncan’s bat in the future. While he may head to Tennessee for his senior year, the Pirates retain his rights and can monitor his development.

What’s next for Andrew Duncan?

Duncan announced plans to transfer to the University of Tennessee for his senior season, indicating he will likely forego signing immediately. The Pirates will keep tabs on his performance in the SEC, where he can face elite pitching and further refine his swing. If he continues to hit for average and maintain his speed, Pittsburgh could see him in spring training next year.

How does this draft pick compare historically?

Duncan becomes the 46th player ever drafted from Wright State, and the 22nd pick in the last 11 drafts, underscoring the program’s growing reputation as a talent pipeline. For Pittsburgh, the selection adds to a series of late‑round gambles that have produced contributors in recent years, reinforcing the front office’s strategy of finding value beyond the early rounds.