Baseball’s Derek Berg Drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates

By Army Athletic Communications Date: Tuesday, Jul 16, 2024 Time: 13:59 EST
Army West Point Baseball's Derek Berg was selected July 15 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, with the No. 294 overall selection in the 10th round. (Graphic provided by Army Athletic Communications)

Army West Point Baseball's Derek Berg was selected July 15 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft, with the No. 294 overall selection in the 10th round. 

Catcher/infielder Berg is the 21st West Point graduate to be selected in the MLB Draft, and the first since Jacob Hurtubise in 2019 by the Seattle Mariners (did not sign in '19, signed in 2020 as free agent with Cincinnati Reds). 

The native of Conroe, Texas is the highest selected Black Knight in the baseball draft since 2007, when LHP Nick Hill was picked No. 225 overall in the seventh round by Seattle. 

Monday marks the third time the Pirates have drafted a West Point baseball product, with C Chris Simmons (41st round, 1224 overall) and OF Cole White (42nd round, 1254 overall) each going to Pittsburgh in 2008. 

Berg led the Black Knights to their sixth consecutive Patriot League Tournament Championship and berth in the NCAA Regionals this past season. He played and started all but one game in 2024, at catcher, first and second base. Berg hit 15 home runs, tied for most on the team, and was one of two players with a 1.000 or higher OPS.