Anthony Solometo Finding Motivation From Other Pitching Prospects at Pirates Spring Training

In one of the quadrants inside of the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training clubhouse, you’ll find a line of lockers belonging to some of the club’s top pitching prospects.

Towards the end of the line is where Anthony Solometo is stationed. The Pirates drafted the left-hander in the second round of the 2021 draft out of high school in New Jersey.

Solometo is considered one of the Pirates’ top pitching prospects and is listed in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 for the first time. They have him ranked No. 82 overall.

“It’s a blessing,” he said on the recognition. “I’m doing everything I can every single day to perform on the field and get wins on the field. If they wanna rank me high because they think I’m doing well, then it’s much appreciated.

“But at the end of the day, it doesn’t affect my day-to-day and I’m just trying to go out there and compete to the best of my ability. Hopefully I keep rising up those boards.”

In speaking for only a few minutes with Solometo at his locker, it’s obvious how focused he is on perfecting his craft.

He has plenty of motivation surrounding him at Pirate City.

Solometo is one of four Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching prospects ranked in the top 100 currently in camp. He’s joined by Paul Skenes (No. 3), Jared Jones (No. 62) and Bubba Chandler (No.93). There are other notable pitching prospects, too.

“It’s really awesome,” Solometo said on being at spring training with other top pitching prospects. “I came into the draft with Bubba [Chandler] and it’s awesome being paired side by side the entire way. Then all the other guys I’ve met along the way over time that came along. Jared [Jones] has been here and Braxton [Ashcraft] and all those guys. Paul [Skenes] obviously, it’s really exciting. They’re all great dudes. We’re all pulling for each other. Sean Sullivan, too.

“It’s an exciting group and everyone is just getting after it. We’re all pushing each other and competing with each other like brothers. That’s what makes you better.”

Solometo’s familiarity with so many other fellow prospects in camp helps on a number of levels.

A prospect finding his way at major-league spring training can be difficult at times. Most of the prospects in camp aren’t making the Pirates’ opening day roster, but they’re still still matching up against established big-league veterans.

The Pirates’ farmhands are such a tight-knit group, the relationships they have with one another feels more like a relationship between brothers.

Through a competitive environment, brothers can bring out the best in each other.

“We always feed off one another because we love each other and love working hard,” Solometo explained. “You see somebody working their (butt) off, you’re like, ‘Okay, I gotta get that guy.’ It’s all positive. Whatever happens in the future happens but everybody is pulling from the same side of the rope making sure everyone is where they need to be. All that matters is winning.”

Down the line, these Pirates’ prospects will be fighting each other for roster spots. But there is a respect and appreciation present to inspire a healthy level of competition.

For now, Solometo will continue to feed off of his teammates at spring training, and they will reciprocate.