Natural strike-throwing ability helped Pirates zero in on Levi Sterling

Prep pick showed advanced ability early in draft process

The Pittsburgh Pirates are no strangers to taking prep pitchers early in the draft. Their ability to identify and then develop that specific demographic is one of the better things they have done in the organization under Ben Cherington.

So, it wasn’t too much of a surprise when the Pirates took another pitcher from the prep ranks with their second pick of the 2024 draft—Levi Sterling, 37th overall.

Standing at 6’5” and armed with a change-up that has plus potential, it wasn’t a shock that the Pirates coveted Sterling so much during the draft process.