The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted prep right-handed pitcher Levi Sterling with the 37th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft. Sterling, who is from Notre Dame High School in California, and has a commitment to Texas, was ranked 55th by Baseball America and 58th by MLB Pipeline.
Levi Sterling, RHP, Notre Dame HS (Cali.)
Age: 17 | DOB: 9/2/2006 | HT: 6′ 5″ | WT: 202 | B/T: R/R
2024 Stats
Sterling had a 2.62 ERA in 45.1 innings, with a 55:16 K/BB ratio during his senior season. He also hit .319/.396/.500 as a shortstop, but was drafted as a pitcher. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft.
The Mechanics
Sterling throws from a low three quarters arm slot, with loose, clean, repeatable action. He’s got a lean, projectable frame.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Sterling.
Fastball (55): The fastball sits around 89-92 MPH, touching 94 with the ability to command the pitch and move it up and down in the zone. His frame and smooth delivery gives him a chance to add velocity as he matures and fills out.
Slider (50): His slider is a mid-80s sweeper, which could end up as an average pitch.
Curveball (55+): The curveball is a mid-70s offering that gets a lot of spin and depth, with the ability to throw the pitch for strikes. It grades with the chance to be a plus offering.
Changeup (50+): Sterling has been developing a changeup as his fourth pitch, with deception from a fastball arm speed, along with good movement. It could develop into an above-average pitch.
Control (55+): Sterling commands his fastball well, locating it where he wants in the zone. He also throws his secondary stuff for strikes. He has a chance for plus control, though he had periods in his senior year where his stuff fell off.
Overall (50): With a starter frame, clean and repeatable mechanics, a mix of pitches that could give him four average or better offerings, and the potential for plus control, Sterling has everything he needs to reach the majors as a starting pitcher. He could improve his consistency with a pitcher-only approach, dropping his time in the field.
