BRADENTON, Fla. -- Whenever Derek Curiel has stepped on a baseball field, whether it was Orange Lutheran High School in Southern California or collegiately at LSU, he’s done so with a familiar mindset.

The Pirates’ 2026 first-round pick grew up loving the gritty approach employed by Pete Rose — the all-out hustle, competitiveness and intensity — and had plenty of success playing that way in college, hence why Pittsburgh selected Curiel No. 5 overall this past summer.

Since that time, however, Curiel’s fire has been channeled different ways. Not so much between the lines but more what it will take to find success when he plays his first professional games in 2027.

“I think the Pirates kind of have it down right now when it comes to developing their prospects,” Curiel said Monday at Pirate City. “My trust is in them. My full belief is in them. I know it’s vice-versa. I’m excited.”

Curiel is one of roughly 30 players or so attending Pittsburgh’s Forge Performance Camp, which blends baseball instruction with off-field skills to aid development and on-field performance once games restart.

Considered the Pirates’ third-ranked prospect and No. 87 overall by MLB Pipeline, Curiel has plenty of eyes on him down here. But they all see the same thing: a mature 21-year-old who’s willing to do whatever it takes to succeed at the next level.

Discussing Curiel recently for Young Bucs week, Pirates director of coaching and player development Michael Chernow praised the left-handed outfielder’s work ethic and attitude since the organization decided against Curiel appearing in Minor League games in 2026.

Whether it’s been in Pittsburgh or Bradenton, Curiel has consistently made a positive impression on coaches and others overseeing his development for his aptitude, willingness to learn and the type of teammate he’s been.

“He’s a max-effort guy,” Chernow said. “Watching him play at LSU, you see the type of player he is and hear him talk about that Pete Rose style of play.

“So, even though he isn’t actively on a field at Pirate City right now, watching him in classroom settings engaging with his teammates, watching him work in the weight room … he’s been getting after it.”

It’s why the Pirates are so excited to see Curiel once the real stuff starts.

“He has the ability to be a dynamic player that can impact the game on both sides of the ball,” Chernow added. “He’s certainly demonstrated some leadership characteristics that we’re excited about as well.”

The past few months have been busy for Curiel, who said he’s been focused on adding good weight and tweaking his swing to elevate the ball more.

After weighing around 188 pounds for much of 2026, Curiel said he’s up to basically 200 now, with the goal of getting to 210 for the start of Spring Training.

That has involved plenty of consultation with Pirates performance dietitians about taking on “a calorie surplus” … but also doing it in a responsible, healthy way.

Curiel admitted he’s not great in the kitchen. Which is why he appreciated Pirates performance dietician Meg Camele’s help with meal prep and advising his two favorite cooks: girlfriend Kyla and mom Linda.

“Obviously I haven’t played a game yet, but I definitely think it’s going to help,” Curiel said. “In the cage I can see my exit velocity has been going up.

“I feel like I’m moving quicker and smoother with my body. I’m able to stay in my legs more. My legs weren’t strong enough back then to stay in the ground. Now, I can make my swing without coming out of my swing.

“It’s worked out great so far. I’m excited to see what I can do next year.”

The swing adjustments aren’t major, Curiel clarified. They’re simply to “steepen” his bat path. The bigger goal was for Curiel to get stronger and faster before a full season of games, a plan that certainly seems to be working so far.

“With the way he’s wired,” Chernow said, “it was an easy sell.”

There’s an interesting Pirates blueprint here, too.

After they drafted Konnor Griffin in 2024, he didn’t make his affiliated-ball debut until the following season. Same thing with Murf Gray from 2025 to his breakout season this past summer.

Here in Florida, Gray talked to Curiel about the benefits he’ll see, how a 140-game schedule won’t feel nearly as daunting because of the work being put in now.

“He can get the most out of his strength, power and speed and use all of his tools,” said Gray, the Pirates’ 2026 Honus Wagner Player of the Year in the Minor Leagues. “It’s a really good thing for a guy like him because he’s gonna build and only get stronger and better from here on out.”

It’s why Curiel has no problem trusting the process, enjoying the experience of the Forge camp now and previously learning as much as possible during the week he had around the MLB team after he signed.

Curiel attended hitters’ meetings and toured Pittsburgh with Griffin, taking plenty of notes about what it takes to prepare at the top level. In Florida, he’s been immersed in adding strength, being a good teammate and improving the mental side of his game.

“That was my biggest takeaway: seeing how they prepare for an MLB game,” Curiel said. “That’s the only time I’m going to see it until I’m actually in it, so it was pretty cool to get that experience.

“Since then, it’s been great. I’m grinding here and doing what they all did to get to that point. It’s my own start to the show.”