One Rising Pirates Pitching Prospect in 2026

It wasn't an easy start for Sterling, who struggled in the Florida Complex League at Rookie Level ball in 2025, posting a 6.09 ERA in nine starts and 12 appearances, 34 strikeouts to 23 walks, .278 batting average allowed and a 1.76 WHIP.

Sterling has been much better this season for Single-A Bradenton, staying healthy and remaining a part of the starting rotation throughout.

He has a 4-6 record in 21 starts, a 4.31 ERA over 96.0 innings pitched, 112 strikeouts to 39 walks, a .215 BAA and a 1.19 WHIP.

Sterling is finding his footing in Bradenton, regularly throwing five-six innings and going deeper into games, showing he can handle the starting pitching role going forward.

He leads the Florida State League in strikeouts, innings pitched, 10.5 K/9, while tied for second in BAA and WHIP.

His pitch mix consists of a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball and changeup, with his fastball finishing around 95 mph, his slider and changeup in the mid-high 80s and his curveball in the lower 80s.

Sterling has had some great outings this season, which includes his most recent start, where he posted a career-high 11 strikeouts over six innings in a 3-0 defeat to Lakeland (Detroit Tigers) on Aug. 13.

He has also posted four games of nine strikeouts and two other games with seven strikeouts, while also putting up a 3.45 ERA since the start of July.

Sterling has about three weeks left of his season, but it's been a successful season for him for the most part.

What Sterling Needs to Improve Upon Heading into 2027

Sterling, just like any young pitcher, is always working on developing command of his pitches and control as well.

His walk rate is still a bit high, 3.66 BB/9, but he has dropped it down from 6.09 a year ago, so he's made improvements in that area.

Sterling will also face much better quality hitting next season at High-A Greensboro, plus will have to pitch at First National Bank Field, which is a hitter's ball park and will pose problems.

The soon-to-be 20-year old is still getting better by the day and he'll have time to work on different areas of game this offseason and the coming years, before eventually joining the Pirates in the future.