Position: RHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 202 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 09/02/2006
High School: Notre Dame HS (CA)
How Acquired: Drafted Comp. Bal. Rd. A, 37th Overall, 2024
Bonus: $2,511,400
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2028
Minor League Free Agency: 2030
Options Left: 3
Overview
Sterling is an athletic right-hander who also played short in high school. He probably doesn’t have overwhelming stuff, but he throws strikes with four pitches. That includes a fastball about 92 mph, with a curve and slider that both have good spin but need work. According to Keith Law, he has a plus change. Sterling’s size and frame give him some projection and he was fairly young when drafted, just 17. He had a commitment to Texas but signed for exactly the slot amount.
2024
As is always the case with the Pirates’ prep pitching draftees, Sterling didn’t appear in any games the year he was drafted.
Stats
Fangraphs
Transactions
July 14, 2024: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in Competitive Balance Round A, 37th overall pick; signed July 25.