The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted Florida State right-hander Gavin Adams with their eighth round pick, 234th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. Adams was rated 306th overall by Baseball America and unranked by MLB Pipeline.
Gavin Adams, RHP, Florida State
Age: 21 | DOB: 2/8/2003 | HT: 6′ 4″ | WT: 195 | B/T: R/R
2024 Stats
Adams did not pitch in 2024, after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He pitched for Indian River State College in 2023, striking out 44 in 26.1 innings. Adams was drafted by the Nationals in the 11th round last year.
The Mechanics
He’s athletic on the mound, pitching from a tall frame with good velocity before the injury. He will likely refine his mechanics following Tommy John.
The Pitches
Compiling the Baseball America and MLB Pipeline reports on Adams.
Fastball (60): The fastball for Adams has been up to 100-101 MPH in the past, sitting in the upper 90s.
Slider (50): He throws a solid average slider in the upper 80s, pairing with the hard velocity fastball.
Changeup (45): The changeup from Adams is also thrown in the upper 80s.
Control (45): He walked 19 batters in 26.1 innings at the JuCo level in 2023, showing some control issues with his velocity.
Overall (40+): The Pirates have been successful at rehabbing college pitchers from Tommy John, and improving their pitch selection and control in the process. Adams is appealing due to a chance for elite velocity, paired with a slider that grades at least solid-average. He’ll be a project for the Pirates to rehab and develop to a higher value as they try to tap into and work his game around the fastball power. The fastball/slider potential at least gives him reliever upside in the majors.
