Pittsburgh Pirates Draft: Three New College Draft Picks to Follow

Pittsburgh Pirates 8th Round Pick: Sean Sullivan, Right-Handed Pitcher

The Pittsburgh Pirates used their 8th round pick on right-handed pitcher Sean Sullivan. A product of the University of California, Berkeley, Sullivan put up solid numbers in his final year in college. Through his final 78.1 innings, Sullivan had a 3.68 ERA, 3.14 FIP, and 1.277 WHIP. Sullivan only struck out 21.9% of all the batters he faced but kept his walk rate low at 6.4%, and a home run rate at .57.

Sullivan has a four-pitch mix, according to Baseball America. He’ll use a fastball, curveball, slider, and change-up. Among his offerings, his slider is the best with a 55-grade. His other three pitches have a 50-grade, making him have 4 pitches that project as at least average offerings. He also has above-average control. He is only 6’1” tall, but who knows if the front office sees the possibility of his stuff ticking up some.

Sullivan isn’t a hard thrower, only averaging 90-92 MPH and topping out at 94 MPH. Baseball America states that while none of his offerings are overpowering, his control and sequencing help his arsenal play up from what it is. This likely means his upside is of a backend starter or multi-inning relief option. He ranked #212 on MLB Pipeline’s Top Draft prospect list.