Will Craig, who has created an interesting depth situation at first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was named to the National League roster for the All-Star Futures Game. The game will be July 7 — two days before the All-Star Game — at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
One of 24 former first-round draft picks in the game, Craig was the Pirates’ top choice in 2016 from Wake Forest.
He moved to Triple-A Indianapolis this season where he has 16 home runs — second among all Pirates minor leaguers — with 12 doubles, 45 RBIs and a .258 average in 73 games.
Craig, 24, could be ready for the majors soon, but he is blocked by first baseman Josh Bell, who is only two years older.
While playing for Double-A Altoona last season, Craig led the Eastern League in RBIs (102), fifth in minor league baseball. He was just the second player in Altoona history to reach triple digits in RBIs, joining Adam Hyzdu (106 in 2000).
Baseball America named him the “Best Defensive First Baseman” in the Eastern League.
Later that year, he played 21 games in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .304 with three doubles, six home runs and 18 RBIs in 21 games.
