Jackson Wolf, a towering left-handed pitcher standing at 6'7" and weighing 205 pounds, became a key acquisition for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade that sent Rich Hill and Chi-Man Choi to the San Diego Padres at the trade deadline. Born in Gahanna, Ohio, on April 22, 1999, and a product of West Virginia University, Wolfe was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 4th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
The 24-year-old made his MLB debut on July 22, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey. In the 2023 MiLB season, Wolf showcased his skills with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Pirates' High-A Affiliate, posting 8 wins and 13 losses. Over 26 starts, he recorded an ERA of 4.13 with an impressive 135 strikeouts in 124.1 innings, maintaining a low WHIP of 1.11.
Wolf's transition to the MLB in 2023 saw him secure 1 win in the single game he started, pitching 5.0 innings in a spot start for the San Diego Padres.
So it seems as though Wolf could be knocking on the Pittsburgh Pirates door as soon as Spring Training this year.
Examining his overall minor league career, Wolf has accumulated 15 wins and 23 losses in 58 games, with 57 starts, and maintains a career MiLB ERA of 4.18. He has showcased his ability to dominate with 301 strikeouts in 269.0 innings, accompanied by a solid WHIP of 1.16.
As Wolf continues to develop, his performances in both the minor and major leagues suggest that he holds the potential to become a significant asset for the Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff in the upcoming seasons. With his size, skill set, and early MLB experience, Wolf's trajectory looks promising, but he needs to bounce back in 2024.