Connor Oliver

  • Position: LHP

  • Height: 6’2”

  • Weight: 170 lbs

  • Bats/Throws: L/L

  • Born: 05/26/2001

  • College: Miami University of Ohio

  • Drafted: 17th round, 499th Overall, 2023 (Royals)

  • How Acquired: Trade (from Royals for Colin Selby)

  • Bonus: $100,000

  • 40-man Roster: No

  • Rule 5 Eligible: 2026

  • Minor League Free Agency: 2029

  • Options Left: 3

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Overview

Oliver pitched for four different schools in the four years before the Royals drafted him. He went to Wichita State in 2020, a junior college in 2021, Texas Christian in 2022 and Miami of Ohio in 2023. Prior to that last school, he had very limited experience, just 19 innings. At Miami, Oliver had a 3.89 ERA over 78.2 IP, all as a starter. He walked 5.3 per nine innings and struck out 11.7. He reportedly throws in the low-90s, with a curve, change and cutter.

2023-24

After signing, Oliver pitched just one inning in rookie ball. The Royals traded him to the Pirates for Colin Selby at the start of the 2024 season. The Pirates sent him to Bradenton, where he worked as a swing man and led the team in innings pitched. He wasn’t very effective, posting a 5.24 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Oliver did have his best month in August, posting a 3.05 ERA after an 8.36 figure in July. He had only a moderate platoon split.


Stats

Fangraphs

Baseball-Reference


Transactions

July 11, 2023: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 17th round, 499th overall pick; signed on July 18.
April 7, 2023: Traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Colin Selby.