The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted University of Alabama left-handed pitcher Hunter Furtado in the sixth round of the MLB draft. Furtado was graded 359th overall by Baseball America and 192nd by MLB Pipeline.
Hunter Furtado, LHP, Alabama
Age: 21 | DOB: 2/18/02 | HT: 6′ 4″ | WT: 210 | B/T: R/L
2023 Stats
Furtado posted a 4.75 ERA in 36 innings with Alabama this year. He worked mostly out of the bullpen, making two starts. He struck out 38 and walked 17.
The Mechanics
With a high arm slot, Furtado generates carry and movement on his pitches. The fastball generates a lot of vertical break, while the changeup has plenty of action. His struggle is staying in the flow of his mechanics.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Furtado.
Fastball (55): His fastball sits 93-96 MPH, getting up to 98, which is good from the left side. Furtado’s high arm slot makes his fastball play up in the zone, and features a lot of vertical drop. He pitches heavily off the fastball.
Slider (60): The slider is low-80s with sweep and depth, grading as his best offering. He had a 45% miss rate on the slider this past year.
Changeup (45): The changeup might be his best swing and miss pitch, with tumbling and cutting action from his high arm slot. He lacks the ability to locate the pitch, reducing its effectiveness.
Control (45): Furtado can get out of sync and lose the ability to locate his pitches. His high arm slot generates a lot of movement on his pitches, but he has trouble landing them in the strike zone.
Overall (40): With plus fastball velocity from the left side, and two swing and miss secondary pitches, Furtado has the makings of a relief role. He’s worked as a starter, including the Cape Cod and South Florida Collegiate Leagues. He’s got a projectable frame, and quality secondary pitches that would play better in a starter role.
