In 2012, the Pirates took a hit when they were unable to sign Stanford right-hander Mark Appel with the eighth overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Pittsburgh wasn’t left empty-handed, however. As compensation for missing out on Appel, the Pirates received the ninth selection in 2013. Coupled with their regular pick at No. 14, Pittsburgh took full advantage, using those two picks to put together the strongest 2013 Draft class in the game.