3 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects who could break onto Top 100 prospect lists

The Pirates have multiple top prospects who could appear on Top 100 lists in the near future once they get an extended look.

May 25, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest pitcher Josh Hartle (23) throws the ball against Florida State during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest pitcher Josh Hartle (23) throws the ball against Florida State during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports | Cory Knowlton-USA TODAY Sports
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Josh Hartle

The first college player the Pirates took in the 2024 draft was left-handed pitcher Josh Hartle. The Pirates took the lefty in the third round with their fourth pick of the draft out of Wake Forest. Hartle signed for $850K. While his profile may not scream "Top 100 Prospects," the Pirates have a knack for typically bringing out the best in soft-tossing lefty pitchers. Don’t be entirely surprised if Hartle becomes another lefty who doesn’t throw hard who thrives under the Pirates' watch.

Hartle showed a lot of promise in 2023, and many projected him to go within the first round. However, he took a step back in 2024. Through 74.2 innings, Hartle worked to the tune of a 5.79 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 3.24 K:BB ratio. Hartle surrendered 13 home runs, leading to a 1.57 HR/9 rate. He also struck out 23.3% of opponents with a quality 7.2% walk rate.

Hartle currently only averages around 90-91 MPH, but his fastball has sinking action that makes it an effective pitch. He employs two different breaking balls: a sweeping slider and a cutter. Between the two, his slider is the better pitch, though his cutter still projects as average. His fourth pitch is a changeup. Hartle has also shown above-average to plus command over all of his offerings.

Hartle is 6’5”, 210 pounds, and throws from a low three-quarters arm slot. He has some similar attributes to Hunter Barco, who has performed well this year. Hartle’s size gives him some projectability to add some velocity. With his command and movement, some added speed will definitely move him up prospect rankings, possibly to a point where he is a top 100 prospect.

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