Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: 3 Top Relievers

Jack Hartman

For a relief pitching prospect Jack Hartman was a pretty early-round draft pick. He was a 4th round pick and selected 108th overall. However because they went over slot on Nick Gonzales, Carmen Mlodzinski, and Nick Garcia, they had to make an under slot pick.

Hartman was picked out of Appalachian State University. He pitched 33.2 innings in college, posting a strong 29.4% strikeout rate and allowing just 2 home runs. But there were some downsides to his college career.

Hartman struggled with command. He walked 16% of the batters he faced. Part of his struggles with walks led to a 4.28 ERA. Overall, he had a WHIP of just 1.75. He may have gotten a ton of strikeouts, as well as showing home run prevention, but walks got in his way more than once.

Still, it would have been nice to see if he made progress with his command in 2021. However, the right-hander had to undergo Tommy John surgery before the minor league season kicked off. However, he could still be a top relief arm. Hartman has a fastball that comes in the upper-90’s. He also has a strong slider.

Hartman might struggle with command, but that isn’t rare with hard-throwing relief pitcher-type prospects. The right-hander didn’t pitch in 2021 because of Tommy John surgery, but if he is back and healthy, he could start the season in the upper minor leagues. Hartman could make his major league debut late next season.