Pittsburgh Pirates: Three More Rule 5 Draft Picks to Consider

Right-Handed Pitcher Garrett Hill

Right-hander Garrett Hill had a great season with the Detroit Tigers’ High-A and Double-A teams. In 75.2 innings, Hill posted a 2.74 ERA, 2.75 FIP, and 1.189 WHIP. Hill struck out 31.3% of batters faced while surrendering three home runs. His 8.9% walk rate wasn’t great, but still solid at best.

Hill led all Tiger minor league pitchers with at least 70 IP in ERA, FIP, HR/9 while being top 5 in WHIP, opponent average, and xFIP. This isn’t the first time Hill has posted quality numbers. In 2019, he had a 2.25 ERA, 3.01 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP. Hill added 13.2 innings to his year at the Arizona Fall League, where he gave up just 3 earned runs, three walks, striking out 21, and letting no balls leave the park.

Hill had a healthy 46.2% ground ball rate, which helped him limit homers. His fly ball rate of 36.4% is a bit high, but he had a sub-20% line-drive rate, but overall, Hill’s batted ball numbers are pretty good. They would play very well in the major leagues.

Hill has a four-pitch mix. This includes a fastball, curveball, change-up, and slider. He isn’t a flamethrower, but he gets results. If Hill were to fall to the Pirates at no. 4, he’d be a solid pick-up. He could become one of the team’s starting pitchers or start the year out in the bullpen.