Pirates sign pair of draft picks, including 4th-round selection Michael Kennedy

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed two more draft picks Wednesday, a pair of left-handed pitchers, and paid above slot value to convince one to bypass college.

Michael Kennedy, a fourth-rounder from Troy (N.Y.) High School, was signed to a $1 million bonus by scout Eddie Charles. Slot value for the 110th pick was $554,800.

4th-rder Michael Kennedy signs with @Pirates for $1 million (slot 110 value = $554,800). New York HS LHP, advanced feel for three pitches, deceptive low-90s fastball, slider misses bats, trusts his changeup. LSU recruit. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/NNZX26eWZF

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 27, 2022

Kennedy was committed to play at LSU. He was 6-0 with a 0.60 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 35 innings as a senior, and was named New York’s Gatorade Player of the Year. MLB Pipeline ranked Kennedy its No. 89 prospect in the draft.

The Pirates also signed 13th-rounder Miguel Fulgencio of Cowley County (Kan.) Community College. He was signed by scout Matt Bimeal.

Fulgencio was 6-0 with a 1.83 ERA and five saves, with 57 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings over 25 appearances this season. He was 7-1 with a 2.73 ERA and one save in 2021, with 46 strikeouts in 33 innings over 20 games.

It’s OFFCIAL!!✅ @Pirates pic.twitter.com/CVsZSuoGjL

— Miguel Fulgencio ???????? (@Miguefulgencio6) July 27, 2022

Fulgencio started his college career as a walk-on running back for the Oklahoma State football team before transferring to Cowley County.

Both Kennedy and Fulgencio were assigned to the Florida Complex League. The Pirates have now signed 16 of their 21 draft picks.