The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted West Virginia right-handed pitcher Carlson Reed in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB draft.
Carlson Reed, RHP, West Virginia
Age: 20 | DOB: 11/27/02 | HT: 6′ 4″ | WT: 200 | B/T: L/R
2023 Stats
Reed had a 2.61 ERA in 38 innings of work with West Virginia this year, striking out 60 batters and walking 25. Reed worked entirely out of the bullpen, after getting work as a starter in previous years.
The Mechanics
Reed has a tall, skinny frame and what is described as lengthy arm action. His command is poor, leading to control issues.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Reed.
Fastball (55+): Reed averages 95 MPH with his fastball in relief appearances, getting it up to 98. He’s a tall pitcher who has lengthy arm action, making the pitch play up with a closer release point to the plate. The pitch lacks life, but has a 25% swing and miss rate, possibly due to the bit of deception. He could hit triple digits with some added muscle.
Slider (55): The slider is a tight, low-80s pitch that generates swings and misses. He used the pitch a lot in a relief role.
Changeup (55): The changeup draws different reviews. Baseball America grades it a 50, while MLB Pipeline grades it plus, citing his ability to sell the pitch with good arm speed. He throws this pitch a lot, along with the slider.
Control (35+): Walks have been an issue for Reed. He walked 25 in 38 innings this year, then went to the Cape Cod League, where he had a high walk rate as a starter.
Overall (40): Reed profiles as a power reliever in the future. His lack of command will prevent him from being a starter, but he could benefit from being a starter in the minors to allow for more time to develop his stuff.
