Jaden Woods: Results haven't matched up with the stuff yet

Woods hasn't had the results quite yet, but the stuff and underlying numbers are in his favor

Jaden Woods was among the many college-level pitchers the Pirates targeted in the last couple of drafts.

He pitched mainly as a reliever during his first two years on campus before being tried out as a starter during his junior season. After appearing in just 10 games, the Pirates drafted him in the seventh round, where he pitched out the bullpen for Bradenton to close out the season.

Although there was some intrigue about him as a starter, the Pirates had him begin the 2024 season in the Greensboro bullpen. He was lights out there despite a walk rate of just over 10%, posting a 2.13 ERA across 25.1 innings pitched and a strikeout rate of 29%.

He was promoted to Altoona, where he has struggled, on face value, with a 6.33 ERA over 27 innings pitched. The walks have increased slightly, but some underlying numbers play well in his favor.