Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects Season in Review: Colin Selby

Right-handed relief pitcher Colin Selby quietly put together a strong season in the minor leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022

Some times the best way a Major League Baseball team can build a bullpen is with underrated arms from their own farm system. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, one of these arms could be righty Colin Selby.

The 24-year-old Selby spent the majority of the 2022 season with Double-A Altoona. However, he did earn a cup of coffee with Triple-A Indianapolis in September. Through it all, Selby put together a strong season in the Pirate minor leagues.

With Altoona, Selby pitched 32.2 innings in 26 appearances. He posted a .20 ERA, 2.59 FIP, walked 10.1% of batters faced, and struck batters out at a 29.7% clip. He allowed just one home run with the Curve, which came out to a 0.28 HR/9.

Late in September, Selby would pitched 3 innings in three outings with Triple-A Indianapolis. With the Indians, Selby allowed two hits. One of these two hits was a solo home run. He did not walk a batter and struck out a pair.

Selby was a 16th round pick by the Pirates in the 2018 MLB Draft. He started his professional career as a starting pitcher, and had a strong 2019 season as a starter, but transitioned to a full-time bullpen role in 2021. This was the beginning of Selby ascending up the Pirate system as a relief pitching prospect.

When the 2023 season begins Selby should find himself in the bullpen at Triple-A Indy. This will put him on the door step of the majors leagues. To be honest, it would be a surprise if Selby did not make his major league debut at some point in 2023. Especially since the Pirate bullpen will likely be a bit of a revolving door that should have plenty of opportunity available in 2023. Selby’s name is certainly one for fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates to store away for the 2023 season.