Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects 2023 Recap: Jackson Wolf Regressing After Trade

The Pittsburgh Pirates acquired left-handed pitcher Jackson Wolf at last summer's trade deadline, and he regressed from his results as a member of the San Diego Padre organization

One of the prospects the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired at last summer's trade deadline was left-handed pitcher Jackson Wolf. After pitching well with the Padre organization, the soft tossing Wolf would struggle with the Pirates.

With the Double-A San Antoino Mission as part of the San Diego Padre farm system, Wolf pitched 88.1 innings in 18 starts. Wolf posted a 4.08 ERA, 3.86 FIP, 6.3% walk rate, 29.8% strikeout rate, and he allowed home runs at a clip of 1.22 HR/9.

During his time with the Padres, Wolf also made his MLB debut. In his lone MLB appearance, Wolf allowed 3 runs on 6 hits, a walk, and a strikeout in 5 innings pitched. All in all, a strong overall MLB debut for Wolf.

After joining the Pirate organization, Wolf trended in the wrong direction.

With the Altoona Curve, Wolf pitched 36 innings in 8 starts. Wolf posted a 4.25 ERA and a 4.41 FIP in these 8 starts. He walked batters at a 6.6% rate, his strikeout rate dropped to 19.9%, and his home run rate rose to 1.25 HR/9. Total and complete regression from his time in the Padre organization.

Wolf could begin the 2024 season back at Double-A Altoona, or in the rotation at Triple-A Indianapolis. Regardless of where Wolf begins his season, the odds are high that he will reach the majors in 2024.

As for a long-term outlook, it's had to envision Wolf finding a lot of success as a MLB starting pitcher. He's a soft tossing lefty that lacks plus secondary stuff. This screams lefty specialist out of the bullpen for a MLB club.