The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted right-handed pitcher Austin Strickland in the eighth round of the MLB Draft. Strickland was rated 302nd overall by Baseball America.
Austin Strickland, RHP, Kentucky
Age: 21 | DOB: 5/31/02 | HT: 6′ 2″ | WT: 210 | B/T: R/R
2023 Stats
Strickland had a 5.04 ERA in 55.1 innings with Kentucky, making three starts in 20 appearances. He struck out 58 and walked 20.
The Mechanics
He throws from a three-quarters slot with a well controlled delivery.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Strickland.
Fastball (55): The fastball sits 93-94 and has been up to 97, with sinking action that leads to a high ground ball rate.
Slider (45+): He throws a curveball that is upper-70s and a slider that is low-80s. The two pitches bleed together, but he can throw both for strikes.
Changeup (35): His changeup has been mid-80s, but he lacks feel for the pitch and rarely uses it.
Control (55): Strickland throws all of his pitches for strikes, controlling his delivery, and maintaining a good walk rate.
Overall (40): Strickland made a few starts in the Cape Cod League in 2022, and had a strong summer. He’s mostly been effective in a multi-inning relief role.
