Position: LHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 220 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 12/02/2002
High School: Bishop Eustace Preparatory School (Pennsauken, NJ)
How Acquired: Drafted 2nd round, 37th Overall, 2021
Bonus: $2,800,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2027
Options Left: 3
Overview
Solometo is a tall lefty with a funky, low-three-quarters delivery that leaves hitters with a difficult angle. Scouts thought it might create command problems for him, but through his first several pro seasons that wasn’t a big problem. It could make it more difficult for him to hold runners. Solometo threw his fastball 89-93 mph, sometimes getting into the mid-90s. At a showcase before the draft, he was throwing 94-97 and he’s reached that sometimes as a pro. His slider and change needed work, but they’ve developed well. All three could be plus pitches. Baseball America had him ranked 28th among draft prospects, MLB Pipeline 17th. He had a commitment to North Carolina. The Pirates signed Solometo for $2.8M, well above the slot value of $1,999,300.
2021-22
Solometo didn’t appear in any games after signing, as the Pirates held all of their prep pitching draftees and some of the college pitchers out (apart from Bubba Chandler appearing as a hitter). In 2022, he skipped rookie ball altogether as the Pirates sent him to Bradenton in late May. The move worked out, as Solometo put up impressive numbers there, including an opponents’ batting line of 188/287/273. When he had trouble, it was generally because his command faltered and his pitch counts ran high, but it usually wasn’t an issue. In his first game, opponents ran wild, stealing four bases in five tries. In his other twelve, they stole just one out of four. Of course, opponents can’t steal if they’re not on base, which they weren’t much when he pitched. Solometo finished with a 2.64 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 9.6 K/9.
2023
Solometo opened 2023 in the Greensboro rotation and dominated the league. In a dozen starts, he had a 2.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 10.4 K/9. He also allowed just two home runs in 58.2 IP despite pitching in a home run haven. The Pirates moved him up to Altoona for his last dozen starts and AA was more of a challenge. He finished there with a 4.35 ERA, although his other numbers were good: 1.22 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, 8.7 K/9. It’s possible Solometo tired some, as his innings total more than doubled from 2022. He gave up just two earned runs in his first 15 AA innings, then 23 in his next 36.2. It’s also relevant that he pitched the entire season at age 20.
2024
Solometo’s 2024 season was a major step backward. He lost velocity, dropping to the upper-80s much of the time, and he also had control problems. He opened the season back at Altoona, but he struggled consistently and the Pirates moved him to the development list in mid-June. He returned a month later and, after several outings in the low minors, returned to AA. He didn’t pitch better after that. For his time in Altoona, Solometo had a 5.98 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 5.4 BB/9 and 7.1 K/9.
Stats
Transactions
July 12, 2021: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2nd round, 37th overall pick; signed on July 20.