Pittsburgh Pirates: Projecting a Potential 2023 Starting Rotation

Carmen Mlodzinski

2023 Opening Day Age: 24

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected right hander Carmen Mlodzinski out of the University of South Carolina. Mlodzinski doesn’t have the best college numbers with a 4.74 ERA, 4.06 FIP and 1.53 WHIP through 81.2 innings at the NCAA level, but he did end his college career on a good note. In 2019 in the Cape Cod league, Mlodzinski had a 2.15 ERA, a minuscule 1.69 FIP, and  0.65 WHIP through 29.1 innings. In his final year at college, the right hander had a 2.84 ERA, 3.91 FIP and 1.30 WHIP in 25.1 innings.

Mlodzinski works with three pitches. His best is his fastball. It sits in the 93-97 range, but tops out at 98 MPH. It currently has a 55 grade, but a future of 60. Mlodzinski also throws a plus slider. It sits in the low-80’s and has a 50 current/future grade. According to MLB Pipeline, it sometimes has cutter-like action. His sinking change up is also a solid pitch. Though it only has a 45 future grade, many think he could develop all three into above average pitches.

Mlodzinski is still a very raw talent. But Ben Cherington has a very good eye for talent. He wouldn’t have picked Mlodzinski when he did if he didn’t think he would be a good selection. Despite his overall lackluster stats, the young right hander could be a very talented starter in a few years.