Josiah Sightler
Josiah Sightler
Position: 1B
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 234 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 10/19/1999
College: University of South Carolina
How Acquired: Draft 15th round, 440th Overall, 2022
Bonus: $125,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2025
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
The Pirates drafted Sightler as a college senior. He didn’t play much his first two years at South Carolina. In his junior year, he put up a modest 268/352/437 line and was not drafted. As a senior he hit much better, 300/408/629, with 15 longballs. His 19:42 BB:K in 170 ABs may be some cause for concern.
2022-23
Sightler wasn’t able to play after signing because he had Tommy John surgery. In 2023, he opened the season on the 60-day injured list. He finally went on rehab in early June, playing a handful of games in the FCL before moving up to Bradenton. He tore up the Florida State League, posting a 516/563/891 line in 18 games. The Pirates promoted him to Greensboro, which was a much tougher proposition. He batted just 232/293/387 there, and his K rate went from 11.2% to 28.7%. Sightler didn’t play in the field initially due to the aftermath of the surgery, but eventually split his time between first and DH.
2024
In 2024, Sightler was the most common first baseman for Greensboro. He also saw a little time at first and in right. He had one of the more extreme all-or-nothing seasons anybody is likely to see. His 14 home runs tied for 11th in the league even though he had only 316 plate appearances. He also batted just .190, and struck out in over half his ABs and 45% of his plate appearances. His ISO of .183 would have tied for tenth in the league if he’d had enough plate appearances to qualify.
Stats
Transactions
June 6, 2018: Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 12th round, 349th overall pick.
July 19, 2022: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 15th round, 440th overall pick; signed on July 28.