Pirates Promote Top Prospect Harrington for MLB Debut

The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to call up right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington to make his major league debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. Harrington, a 2022 first-round pick, will need a 40-man roster spot cleared for his promotion. After a stellar college career, he quickly ascended through the minors, showcasing impressive ERA and strikeout rates despite a brief injury setback in 2024. His strong performance at Double-A and Triple-A, coupled with his top-100 prospect status, has expedited his arrival to the majors. Harrington's arsenal includes a fastball, slider, cutter, and curveball, with his standout feature being exceptional control.

Harrington's promotion comes amidst the Pirates' efforts to solidify their pitching rotation. While he initially missed out on the fifth starter role to Carmen Mlodzinski, his call-up suggests the Pirates are actively evaluating their options. A strong performance from Harrington could lead to a more permanent role in the rotation, especially given Mlodzinski's recent struggles. As a highly-rated prospect, Harrington's long-term presence on the roster could also earn the Pirates a prospect promotion incentive draft pick if he achieves significant awards during his pre-arbitration years. The Pirates boast a deep pitching rotation, featuring established starters and promising young arms, contributing to their decision to trade Luis Ortiz for Spencer Horwitz. This depth provides them with flexibility and options as they navigate the season.