
Braxton Ashcraft Joins Pirates: A New Chapter Begins!
2025-05-27
Author: Chun
Pirates Call Up Pitching Phenom Braxton Ashcraft
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a thrilling move by promoting right-handed pitching prospect Braxton Ashcraft to the major leagues! In a strategic reshuffle, the Bucs have optioned Isaac Mattson to Triple-A, as confirmed by manager Don Kelly. Ashcraft, who has been on the Pirates' 40-man roster since November 2023, is finally ready to showcase his talents.
A New Role for a Rising Star
Contrary to expectations, Ashcraft won't be entering as a starter—he's set to take on the role of long reliever or bulk pitcher. This shift marks a significant change for Ashcraft, who has predominantly started games in the minors. While fans are buzzing about his debut, it appears that Mike Burrows will maintain his position as the fifth starter, completing a robust rotation led by Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Andrew Heaney, and Bailey Falter.
What's Next for Bubba Chandler?
Despite the excitement surrounding Ashcraft, many Pirates fans are questioning why Bubba Chandler, a highly regarded prospect, hasn't yet made his MLB debut. The Pirates have opted to promote Ashcraft, along with Burrows and Tom Harrington, instead of calling up Chandler for the time being. The pitching-rich franchise seems eager to evaluate their array of talented young arms.
A Journey Filled with Challenges
Ashcraft has faced significant hurdles on his journey to the majors. Selected in the second round of the 2018 draft, his career has been marred by injuries, including a Tommy John surgery in 2021. In his six seasons, he has thrown only 283.1 innings. Despite these setbacks, the Pirates recognized his potential, even adding him to their 40-man roster ahead of the 2023 Rule 5 Draft.
Impressive Stats Await!
This season at Triple-A, Ashcraft has recorded a 5.03 ERA over 48.1 innings. However, a high .361 batting average on balls in play has somewhat skewed these numbers. With an impressive 51.1% ground ball rate and a 25.6% strikeout rate, Ashcraft showcases the potential to be a valuable asset, despite minor control issues.
Scouting Reports and Future Prospects
Baseball America ranks him as the fourth-best minor leaguer in the Pirates' system, while MLB Pipeline places him seventh in their top 30. Both reports suggest that Ashcraft might be best suited for a relief role, given his injury history and the inconsistency of his changeup. His fastball consistently reaches the 95-98 mph range, complemented by an intriguing slider and curveball.
The Path Forward for Ashcraft and the Pirates
As Ashcraft embarks on this new chapter in his career, he has the opportunity to prove himself at the major league level. While he's currently positioned in the bullpen, there's room for his future as a starter still on the table. For now, Ashcraft is ready to inject some fresh energy into the Pirates' bullpen while eyeing a potential starting role down the line. The excitement is palpable—this could be just the beginning for Braxton Ashcraft in the big leagues!