Pittsburgh Pirates 2023 Minor League Players of the Year: High-A Greensboro

These two players put together a strong season for the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers this season
Notre Dame's Jack Brannigan (9) celebrates after hitting a homer that put the Fighting Irish in the
Notre Dame's Jack Brannigan (9) celebrates after hitting a homer that put the Fighting Irish in the / Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY
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Best pitcher - Thomas Harrington

Selected 36th overall in the 2022 draft, Thomas Harrington has quickly become one of the more intriguing starting pitcher prospects in the Pirate farm system. The 22-year-old Harrington started the season with Low-A Bradenton, posting a 2.77 ERA and a 3.75 FIP in 39 innings pitched across 8 starts.

This success led to Harrington being promoted to High-A Greensboro. With the Grasshoppers, Harrington became a workhorse and continued to pitch well. Harrington made 18 starts for the Grasshoppers, pitching 88.1 innings. He posted a 3.87 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 7.7% walk rate, 28.2% strikeout rate, and allowed just 11 home runs (1.12 HR/9).

Harrington has swing-and-miss stuff, as well as plus control. This is a combination that can lead to a lot of success for a starting pitcher, and lead to a starting pitcher becoming one of the best prospects in a farm system.

Looking ahead to 2024, it would not be a surprise to see Harrington start the season in the rotation at Double-A Altoona. To be honest, Harrington pitching his way to the majors may not be out of the realm of possiblity next season.