Pirates Draft Signings: Third-Rounder Josh Hartle

A day after signing five of their 2024 draft picks, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed third-round pick Josh Hartle, a left-handed pitcher from Wake Forrest.

Hartle was viewed as a potential first-round draft pick entering the season but struggled during his junior year with the Demon Deacons.

In 2023, Hartle went 11-2 with a 2.81 ERA and struck out 140 batters in 102.1 innings pitched across 18 appearances/17 starts. His efforts were good enough to land him first-team All-ACC honors. This past year, the 21-year-old stumbled to a 6-3 record with a 5.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 74.2 innings between 15 starts.

Despite the down year, the Pirates drafted Hartle with the 83rd pick and believe he still possesses plenty of upside.

“He didn’t have the best year, he would be the first to admit that,” Pirates amateur scouting director Justin Horowtiz said after the draft concluded. “He tried some adjustments at the beginning of the season that didn’t really flow as well as he expected. We’re gonna help him get back to being the guy we all know is in there, and who we thought he’d be coming into the spring. We’re really excited about the opportunity to work with Josh.”

Hartle was considered MLB Pipeline’s No. 70 draft-eligible prospect in this year’s class. The 6-foot-5 left-hander’s best pitch is an above-average slider. He also features a fastball, cutter and changeup to go along with solid control.

The Pirates signed Hartle for $850,000, according to Pipeline. The slot value for the 83rd pick was $920,800.