The latest MLB Mock Draft is in, and the forecast for the Pittsburgh Pirates is clear: they're projected to snag the top pitcher in the class. According to MLB.com's Jim Callis, with the fifth overall pick, the Pirates are eyeing UC Santa Barbara's right-handed fireballer, Jackson Flora.

Flora, a junior, has been the consensus best arm in the 2026 draft class, and his numbers back it up. He's undefeated this season at 9-0, boasting a jaw-dropping 0.73 ERA—the best in NCAA Division I. Standing at 6'5" with an athletic build, Flora brings serious heat, with fastballs averaging in the mid-90s and regularly touching triple digits. His mid-80s slider has evolved into a go-to secondary pitch, while his changeup rounds out a solid arsenal.

Currently ranked as the fourth overall prospect, Flora has clearly separated himself from the pack. He's coming off a dominant performance where he lowered his ERA to 0.73 with an eight-strikeout outing, further cementing his status as the top pitching prospect in the draft.

Flora's journey at UC Santa Barbara has been impressive. After a freshman year spent mostly as a reliever, he broke out as a sophomore in 2025, posting a 3.60 ERA and 86 strikeouts while leading the Gauchos to a 36-18 record. This year, he's helped the team to a 32-15 mark, solidifying his reputation as a game-changer.

The Pirates have a clear type: tall, athletic pitchers with a fastball-first approach, and Flora fits that mold perfectly. If he's still on the board at No. 5, he could be a seamless addition to Pittsburgh's rotation. The MLB Draft kicks off July 11 during the All-Star break in Philadelphia, so mark your calendars—this is one to watch.