Reliever mindset helped Carlson Reed breakout as starter in 2024

Former West Virigina closer took huge strides in his first year as a starter

Photo Credit: WTM

Converting from a college starter to a reliever at the professional level isn’t the most uncommon thing to see in baseball. However, switching from reliever to starter isn't something you see every day.

That’s what former West Virginia Mountaineer closer Carlson Reed did in his first full professional season after being drafted by the Pirates in the fourth round of the 2023 draft.

Reed, 21, posted a 2.61 ERA with seven saves and 60 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched last year as the West Virginia closer. The strikeout rate was impressive, but he also struggled with walks, with 25 (14.4%). 

That led many to believe he’d remain a reliever when he turned pro, but the Pirates had him shift to the rotation, starting this year with Single-A Bradenton. The numbers were there, but he did fight with his control at times. 

Transitioning from reliever to starter is a little different than the other way around. Reed took an interesting mindset into his new role in the rotation.