Pittsburgh Pirates: Previewing High-A Greensboro’s Potential Starting Rotation

Logan Hofmann

Two rounds after the Pittsburgh Pirates selected Garcia they selected right-hander Logan Hofmann. Hofmann, a product of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, ended his time at college with 28 innings without giving up an earned run with 38 strikeouts.

Hofmann was a strikeout machine at Low-A Bradenton, getting 29.9% of batters faced down on strike three while having a solid 9.6% walk rate. Hofmann struggled the most with home runs, which he surrendered at a 1.31-per-9 rate. Overall through 82.2 innings, he had a 3.59 ERA, 4.68 FIP, and 1.11 WHIP.

However, evidence suggests that he could be better than his bottom line numbers indicate. Hofmann had a solid 44.3% ground ball rate and a phenomenal 16.7% line-drive rate. Hofmann had a 4.05 xFIP, .63 lower than his actual FIP.

Hofmann isn’t an overpowering starting pitcher, and he only averages around 92-94 MPH. But it’s an offering that comes in with a lot of spin. He also throws a 12-6 curveball that he gets many swings and misses. Hofmann added a slider and change-up to his repertoire in 2020 to make him a complete pitcher.

Hofmann’s long-term role is still up for debate. He pitched in 22 games with the Marauders with 13 being starts. As a reliever, he gave up just 3 total earned runs in 25.1 innings, and all three runs came in just one outing. His time at Greensboro could be a deciding factor in determining his long-term home. If he continues to struggle as a starter, the bullpen might be his home. But he could serve as a higher leverage arm who can handle multiple innings.