Pittsburgh Pirates: Projecting a Potential 2023 Starting Rotation

7 of 8

FT. MYERS, FL – FEBRUARY 20: General Manager Ben Cherington of the Boston Red Sox speaks with the media following the first full team Spring Training workout at Fenway South on February 20, 2014 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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.

Home/Pirates News