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What to Expect from Pirates Pitcher Thomas Harrington

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 6:33 PM ET

The Pirates saw the rise of two big arms in 2024, as Jared Jones and Paul Skenes made it to the Majors and fit in very well. Jones and Skenes, however, were just two of several high-profile arms the Pirates have drafted and developed over the last five years. Thomas Harrington, a first-round pick in 2022, was also one of those arms and he’ll make his Pirates debut on April 1, 2025.

A Look at Harrington

The Campbell Camels produced two of the top 36 picks in the 2022 MLB Draft. Zach Neto quickly turned into a building block for the Angels after he was selected 13th overall. Thomas Harrington, meanwhile, took a little bit longer after two strong seasons at Campbell.

Harrington pushed himself into the first round (36th overall) after he struck out 111 batters over 92.2 IP in 2022. Since then, he’s steadily risen up the Pirates’ organizational ladder. He breezed through Bradenton (A) with a 2.77 ERA in 2023, then pitched quite well in Greensboro (106 K over 88.1 IP).

Last season, spent mainly between Double-A and Triple-A, Harrington struck out 115 over 117.1 IP. Harrington limited opposing batters to a .212 average at Indianapolis (AAA), along with a 0.93 WHIP across eight starts.

Harrington didn’t miss too many bats at Triple-A last season, with a 23.9% Whiff%.

Thomas Harrington Whiff 2024: Date between High-A and Triple-A. Via New Baseball Media

The right-hander doesn’t have an overpowering fastball on paper. It sits in the mid-90s with roughly average IVB (15.8” mean between High-A and Triple-A) and slightly below-average extension. Nonetheless, it gets whiffs & the fastball plays well with his other offerings.

Thomas Harrington 2024 Pitch Movement: Data between High-A and Triple-A. Via New Baseball Media

Harrington’s curveball has good enough depth (-9.9” average) and was an out pitch for him in the Minors. He’ll also work with a splitter that sits in the 83-84 MPH range with separation from the fastball, coupled with a sweeper that runs away from right-handed hitters.

HARRINGTON CURVE 2024 1

Lastly, the cutter — which can be categorized as a slutter — was also effective, as opposing batters hit just .238 off it in Triple-A.

Per the Pirates, Thomas Harrington will make his MLB debut on April 1 against the Rays.

Analysis

Harrington may not be a true strikeout pitcher. But, the Pirates right-hander has enough weapons to work with to become a valuable middle-of-the-rotation arm for Pittsburgh.

The Pirates’ pitching depth has been tested early on, as Jared Jones went down in camp with a UCL sprain. While Jones won’t need Tommy John surgery, he’s been shut down for the near future.

Now, Harrington will join a rotation that includes Paul Skenes, Andrew Heaney, Mitch Keller, and Bailey Falter, and one that may include Bubba Chandler at some point. Chandler is currently in Triple-A, though, and the Pirates don’t need to rush him just yet.

Instead, Harrington, who is 14 months older than Chandler, will get the first crack at fitting into the Majors.

Fantasy Impact

Harrington doesn’t have the strikeout potential that Jones or Skenes had heading into 2024. That doesn’t mean he can’t be valuable. But, the Pirates don’t have an elite offense and because of that, will be heavily dependent on wins, ERA, & WHIP to be an impact pitcher in mixed leagues.

To his credit, Harrington heavily limited the walks in the Minors. He only gave 19 free passes over 117.1 IP.

He’s a spot starter option in mixed leagues at this point. But, there is potential moving forward.

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

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