Position: LHP
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 250 lbs
Bats/Throws: L/L
Born: 06/24/2002
College: University of Kentucky
How Acquired: Drafted 11th round, 317th Overall, 2023
Bonus: $197,500
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2026
Minor League Free Agency: 2028
Options Left: 3
Overview
Cotto initially went to South Carolina, where he struggled as a freshman. He transferred to Kentucky and continued to have difficulties. Like nearly all of the pitchers the Pirates drafted in 2023, the problems centered around poor control. He had a 6.06 ERA and 5.2 BB/9 as a sophomore in 2022. In summer ball that year, he made progress in finding the plate, throwing a lot more strikes, cutting the BB/9 to 4.0 and posting a 2.67 ERA. Back at Kentucky in 2023, the improved control didn’t entirely persist. Cotto had an ERA of 6.00 and BB/9 of 4.5, but he did strike out thirteen batters per nine innings. He averages 93 mph and reaches 97 with his fastball, and also throws a tight slider and a change. Baseball America ranked him 267th among draft prospects. Cotto signed for nearly $50,000 above the slot value.
2023-24
After signing, Cotto got into two games in the FCL and three with Bradenton. He gave up six hits and three walks in 6.1 IP, with seven strikeouts. In 2024, he spent most of the season with Bradenton. Apart from some control issues, he pitched well, allowing 28 hits in 48 innings, but he also walked 25. He struck out 49. Cotto did not have a platoon split. The Pirates promoted Cotto to Greensboro in mid-August. He had a 7.71 ERA in seven innings, although his WHIP of 1.43 wasn’t that bad.
Stats
Transactions
July 11, 2023: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th round, 317th overall pick; signed on July 20.