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
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
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.