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What to Expect from Pirates Pitcher Braxton Ashcraft

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated May 27, 2025 11:48 AM ET

Almost seven years ago, the Pirates picked Braxton Ashcraft with the 51st pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. Pittsburgh’s steadily developed him as a starter, and after a myriad of injuries, Ashcraft was officially promoted to the Majors.

A Look at Ashcraft

It’s been a lengthy journey to the Majors for Braxton Ashcraft, who went pro in 2018. The Pirates signed Ashcraft after picking him in the second round that year.

Ashcraft, however, has dealt with his fair share of injury troubles. The 25-year-old missed all of 2022 recovering from Tommy John surgery, and dealt with forearm inflammation last season. Before the pandemic, Ashcraft had shoulder surgery in 2019.

He’s never thrown more than 100 innings in a pro season but still remained a highly valued prospect. Ashcraft had a funky start to his pro career in 2019, when he struck out just 39 with West Virginia (SS-A). But since then, he’s developed into a strikeout pitcher.

Walks have been somewhat of a problem for Ashcraft in spurts; his 3.5 BB/9 in 2025 would be his highest since 2019. But in past seasons, Ashcraft’s been a consistent strike thrower, with BB/9 below 2.0 in 2023-24.

The Pirates prospect, who operates from a higher arm angle, can dial it up into the 94-97 MPH range with his fastballs, as he throws two. One is a carrying four-seamer with ride, while the other is a two-seamer with more run than sink. However, the sinker does play well movement-wise with his changeup, which sits in the 88-91 MPH range.

Braxton Ashcraft 2025 AAA Pitch Movement Via New Baseball Media

It doesn’t have extreme separation velocity-wise from the fastball, nor a big swing-and-miss (17.2%) pitch for Ashcraft. However, it did get ground balls.

Ashcraft’s two big whiff pitchers are his slider (41.8% Whiff% in 2025) and curveball (50% %). The slider is one he heavily leans on, while the curveball has depth and works as an option against left-handed hitters.

It’s been a gradual evolution for Ashcraft, once a heavy fly-ball pitcher in his early pro days but has gotten more topped contact. His 1.47 GO/AO ratio is the highest he’s posted in his professional career.

Pirates interim manager Don Kelly confirmed that Braxton Ashcraft will join the roster, with Isaac Mattson being moved down to Triple-A.

Analysis

Ashcraft is one of several notable pitching prospects to get called up to Pittsburgh this season. Thomas Harrington got a brief look early on in the season, while Mike Burrows — who made his MLB debut last season — is currently up with the team.

No, this isn’t Bubba Chandler, currently dominating Triple-A. However, it’s important to note Chandler isn’t on the 40-man roster. Ashcraft is, and has been since November 2023. That’s important to note, as the Pirates have burned two options on him.

At some point, Ashcraft had to get a look. Put aside the ERA and average, Ashcraft has the makings of at least a good reliever or a starter, depending on whether he can reach his ceiling. The good news is that he picked up whiffs with his stuff and possesses a healthy mix of pitches.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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