5 best Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospects who rely on more than pure heat

Josh Hartle

The second pitcher from the 2024 draft to appear on today’s list is left-hander Josh Hartle. Hartle is coming out of Wake Forest, a school that has produced multiple high-end pitching prospects in the last few years. Hartle could soon join them after the Pirates took him as their fourth-round pick.

Like Ager, Hartle showed a lot of promise in 2023, so much so that some projected him as a potential first-round pick heading into 2024. Similarly, he failed to capitalize on it. Hartle ended the season with a 5.79 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 3.24 K:BB ratio. The southpaw had a respectable 23.3% strikeout rate and 7.2% walk rate, but struggled to limit home runs. He allowed 13 in 74.2 IP, leading to a 1.57 HR/9 rate.

According to Baseball America, Hartle touches just 90 MPH, topping out at 93-94, but his fastball's sinking movement helps it play above its velocity. Hartle’s slider is his best pitch. It is a low-80s offering that has sweeping action to it. His cutter also flashed above average potential. His primary offspeed pitch is a mid-80s changeup.

Hartle’s best ability is being able to consistently hit his spots. He projects to have above-average to plus command over all of his offerings. He also throws from a lower arm slot, similar to that of fellow LHP prospect Hunter Barco. He has some room to grow, too, as he is 6’5”, 215 pounds at 21 years old.