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No matter the strategy, Pirates must make right choice with first pick

The 2021 MLB Draft is unique in a number of aspects: beginning the last day before the All-Star Break after previously held in early June, high school and college baseball seasons are all completed, and the Pittsburgh Pirates hold the number one overall pick for the first time since 2011.

The last time the Pirates were first on the clock, Gerrit Cole joined Bryan Bullington (2002) and Kris Benson (1996), as the third pitcher taken first overall by the organization and a perfect four-for-four (Jeff King - 1986) from the college ranks.