New Pirates trend? Jackson Wolf and horizontal release

With a funky delivery and low arm slot, the Pirates may be onto something bigger with Jackson Wolf.

One of the keys to the 2024 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates is to make sure they have enough pitching depth to make it through the year and not have a repeat of 2023. By the time the season was done, the Pirates’ rotation was compromised of two starters, with the rest of the games strung together by the bullpen.

Jackson Wolf can be a depth option at some point in 2024. Already on the 40-man roster and having made his major league debut in 2023, the left-handed pitcher from West Virginia University, Wolf, is an interesting arm to watch for multiple reasons.

His funky delivery includes a very low arm slot that he throws from his 6’7” frame, almost reminiscent of Rich Hill, who pitched for the Pirates this past season.

Wolf was drafted in the fourth round by the San Diego Padres in 2021. For reference, he was drafted between Owen Kellington (early fourth) and Jackson Glenn (early fifth) regarding Pirates’ picks.

He came over in the trade, bringing Alfonso Rivas and Estuar Suero to the Pirates.

Overall, combing his time with the Padres and Pirates, Wolf made 26 starts, posting a 4.13 ERA with 135 strikeouts in 124.1 innings pitched. The strikeout rate dipped slightly, but he also improved the walk rate.