After Skenes, Bucs add Jebb, Mueth on Day 1

Following their selection of right-hander Paul Skenes with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Pirates completed Day 1 by drafting shortstop Mitch Jebb out of Michigan State with the 42nd overall pick and right-hander Zander Mueth out of Belleville East (IL) High School with the 67th overall pick.

Jebb, who has one of the more unique swings of anyone in this year’s Draft, broke out as a sophomore en route to earning Third-Team All-Big Ten Conference honors. Following a solid first year in which he earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team accolades, Jebb hit .356/.448/.511 with six home runs and 20 steals as a sophomore, and he was named the John Kobs Most Valuable Player Award for his efforts.

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Where Jebb truly shined, though, was in the summer. During the 2022 Cape Cod League, Jebb finished second in batting average (.356), on-base percentage (.429), OPS (.919), steals (26), runs (40) and hits (53).

For as well as Jebb played in 2022, the shortstop couldn’t exceed or match that production in ‘23 as he grinded through a wrist injury. Jebb still earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors, but his batting average (.337), on-base percentage (.438), slugging percentage (.495), home runs (1) and steals (14) were all down from his breakout sophomore season.

During his career at Michigan State, Jebb had more walks (82) than strikeouts (68) while stealing 38 bases on 51 attempts. Though Jebb was a primary shortstop during his three seasons at Michigan State, he is projected to play a different position in pro ball. Jebb played third base during his time in the Cape Cod League.

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Jebb becomes the earliest player selected from Michigan State in the MLB Draft since Mark Mulder was selected with the second overall pick in the 1998.

The 42nd overall pick has a slot value of $2,045,900.

Mueth, the 83rd ranked prospect in this year’s class per MLB Pipeline, draws comparisons to right-hander Tanner Houck due to his low three-quarters release and his southwestern Illinois background.

The right-hander’s fastball sits in the 92-94 mph range and can touch 97 mph. Mueth also features a slider (80-82 mph) and changeup (mid-80s) in his arsenal as well. He stands at 6-foot-6 and has a commitment to Mississippi.

The 67th overall pick has a slot value of $1,128,200.

The Pirates will have eight selections to make on Day 2 of the 2023 MLB Draft. Every pick will be streamed on MLB.com.