Pirates Draft Pick Thomas Harrington’s Journey Has Been One Hell of a Ride (+)
Before the 2022 MLB Draft, Campbell University had never had one of its players drafted in the first round.
All of that changed when the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Thomas Harrington at pick No. 36, and the Los Angeles Angels drafted Zach Neto at pick 13. When the Pirates drafted Harrington, it concluded quite a collegiate journey for the right-handed pitcher.
“It’s incredible, and it shows how hard our coaching staff works and how much time they put in,” said Harrington on Campbell’s first-round success. “It’s pretty neat for Neto and me to experience, and it’s nice to see Campbell have a great time.”
Looking back on Harrington’s career at Campbell, you can’t do anything but tip your cap to the 21-year-old. Harrington went to Campbell as a walk-on, then won the Big South Freshman of the Year. In his freshman year, Harrington posted a 3.45 ERA (lowest among qualified freshmen in Division I), pitched 75.2 innings, and struck out 75.
Fast forward to Harrington’s sophomore year (2022), he set personal bests and school records for the Camels of Campbell. Harrington won 12 games and struck out 111 — both school records — in 92.2 innings pitched. To go along with the school records, Harrington also ranked second in the nation in ERA at 2.53, finished as the Big South Pitcher of the Year, and was named a Golden Spikes semifinalist.
Needless to say, the 6-foot-2 Harrington’s brain had to be spinning going from a walk-on to a first-round pick.
“This is an awesome feeling; it’s something I’ve been working for my whole life,” said Harrington. “Everything is still pretty surreal. I’m just trying to soak it all in, and I’m excited to get rolling with this organization.”
After the draft’s conclusion, the Pirates’ front office mentioned it relied heavily on area scouts and trusted their work and reports. Harrington discussed what the process was like with the Pirates leading to the draft.
“The area scout for me was Mike Bradford, and he’s done an awesome job with me,” Harrington said. “Bradford’s communication has been perfect. Did I know that I was going to get drafted by the Pirates? Absolutely not, but I couldn’t be happier.”
Harrington’s pitch arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, two-seamer, slider, curveball and changeup.
“I’m a five-pitch guy; my changeup is probably my best pitch,” said Harrington. “I’ve thrown the changeup pretty much my entire life, and I think it plays really well off my fastball. Coming to the next level, I need to sharpen those pitches to help me succeed.”
Harrington’s changeup is the pitch that struck the biggest bell ring for me. Looking at MLB Pipeline’s grade on his changeup at a 60 (on a 20-80 scouting scale) is really intriguing. The changeup is often a pitcher’s final dragon to slay, and if a 21-year-old pitcher has a good grasp already with it, he could become a No. 2 starter in the major leagues.
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