When you think of the Pittsburgh Pirates, it's hard not to think about the pitching talent that has started their professional careers with the organization.
From guys like Gerrit Cole and Paul Skenes, the Pirates have developed pitching at an elite level. While they are still working on building a team capable of competing at a high level, one thing you can't knock them for is how they develop pitching, always seemingly having quality guys who either help their ball club or bring back quality trade packages from contending teams.
Now, the hope is that Jason DeCaro is the next in line to be developed into an MLB standout by the Pirates organization.
Jason DeCaro drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2026 MLB Draft
The Pirates selected DeCaro with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. His third-round selection was higher than anticipated based on MLB.com's top-250 prospect list, one in which DeCaro ranked No. 133 overall.
With their 3rd-round pick (No. 80 overall), the @Pirates select @DiamondHeels right-handed pitcher Jason DeCaro, No. 133 on the Top 250 Draft prospects list.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 11, 2026
Watch live: https://t.co/XWNTXiKgPC pic.twitter.com/btVWTrVJDe
The ace of the Diamond Heels for three seasons, DeCaro is a proven commodity who has been outstanding since he first stepped on campus in Chapel Hill. While he put up strong freshman and sophomore seasons, DeCaro saved his best season for what likely will be his last, putting together a dominant junior season.
In 19 starts, DeCaro set a new career high with 11 victories. He posted a 2.87 ERA over his 97.2 innings of work, striking out 99 hitters while only allowing 85 hits.
His best start ended up being his final start at Boshamer Stadium, a complete-game shutout against USC in Game 2 of the Chapel Hill Super Regionals. His performance extended the season an extra day, one that the Diamond Heels capitalized on by clinching a trip to Omaha in a winner-take-all Game 3 the next day.
When it comes to experience, DeCaro might just be the most experienced pitcher in this draft class. He was the ace on not one but two UNC baseball teams that made the trip to Omaha, pitching on the sport's biggest stage on multiple occasions throughout his collegiate career.
The scary thing is: DeCaro still hasn't reached his full potential, as Scott Forbes often says how DeCaro's best days are still very much ahead of him. Forbes often compares him to Zac Gallen, a guy who was fantastic as a Tar Heel but went on to become an MLB All-Star, a path we'd all love to see DeCaro follow as he begins his professional baseball career.
The Pirates organization is simply getting a bulldog on the mound, a guy who will go out and give you his all on every fifth day. Who knows, maybe it won't be long before DeCaro works his way up the ranks to join the big league club's rotation, having the opportunity to learn from one of the game's best in Skenes.
DeCaro became the third Diamond Heel selected in this year's draft, joining Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull, both of whom were drafted by the Boston Red Sox.
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