Carlson Reed
The Pirates drafted Carlson Reed out of West Virginia University in the 2023 draft. After working as the Mountaineers’ closer in his final college season, the Pirates moved Reed into a starting pitching role in 2024. Although that isn’t something he hasn’t consistently done since 2021 as an 18-year-old in the Northwoods League, Reed looked great as a starter.
Reed opened the season at A-Ball Bradenton, where he worked to a 2.43 ERA, 3.49 FIP, and 1.25 WHIP in 77.1 innings of work. Reed struck out a whopping 29.7% of his opponents with a strong 0.46 HR/9 rate. Batters couldn’t touch Reed, as he induced a whiff rate of 32.2%. When they did make contact, it resulted in just an 85.4 MPH exit velocity, 3.3% barrel rate, and 55.7% ground ball rate. Reed, however, struggled to limit walks, and had a 13% BB% at the level.
Reed’s great performance with the Marauders led to a promotion to High-A Greensboro. He performed even better for the Grasshoppers with an 0.87 ERA, 2.75 FIP, and 0.65 WHIP, albeit in a smaller sample size of 31 innings. Reed kept up his outstanding K%, clocking in at a 29.7% strikeout rate, and allowed just a single home run. However, the most impressive part of this sample size was his 7.9% walk rate.
Reed can sit in the mid-90s with his four-seamer and sinker. He also has an above-average slider and decent changeup. Reed’s struggles with command aren’t limited to his action in minor-league baseball. Reed walked 14.5% of opponents throughout his final season with WVU, even in a reliever-only role.
Reed is one of my favorite Pirates prospects, but I am not blinded by the fact there are reasons to capitalize on his value now. Reed performed exceptionally well, but hasn’t been tested at Double-A yet, which is the largest jump in the minor leagues (not including Triple-A to MLB). Reed’s command isn’t great, and there’s still reliever risk involved in his profile.