Pittsburgh Pirates: Top Five Relief Pitching Prospects

Aug 19, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Nick Mears (70) pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Indians won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2020; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Nick Mears (70) pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Indians won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh Pirates
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: A general view of the field in the fifth inning during the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on September 6, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Jack Hartman

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Jack Hartman in the 4th round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Hartman was a relief pitcher throughout college. During the shortened 2020 season, Hartman pitched 12 innings and allowed just four earned runs and a single home run while striking out 22 of the 57 batters he faced.

Hartman’s biggest issue is control. Hartman walked 26 of the batters he faced throughout college for a 16% walk rate. However, in terms of talent, this seems to be his only roadblock. Hartman has a plus fastball and a plus slider. His fastball works in the mid-90s, averaging 94-97 MPH. He has been inconsistent, though, as his walk rate suggests.

Hartman will miss a good chunk of the 2021 season due to undergoing Tommy John Surgery earlier this offseason. Currently, he’s only 22-years-old and will turn 23 in July. Given his age and talent, HArtman might be a quick riser through the minors.