Another great prospect in Pittsburgh’s system!
On this edition of the Pirates’ prospect update series, we take a look at former two-way player turned full time pitcher, Levi Sterling.
Sterling was one of the youngest players in the 2024 draft, but still stood out on the Pirates’ draft board as an incredible athlete with plus tools from the mound. When drafted the team did announce that he is going to pitch full time for the club.
At Notre Dame High School in California, Sterling played as a shortstop when not on the mound. His skills as a middle infielder translated to the mound, showing above average athleticism with the ability to get to his zones with consistency. His ability to repeat the same delivery time in and time out is something that has stood out to this point with the developmental coaches on staff with the Pirates.
Pirates’ 24 draftee Levi Sterling worked 2 innings on the backfields today.
FB: 92-93 in the 1st/t95. 90-92 in the 2nd. VAA was around 4.5 with good run and ride. Around 17 iVB and up to 20 inches of run.
SL: 80-83 w/ 2700 rpm spin
CH: 83-85
CB: 79-81 pic.twitter.com/yBTfsTamgR— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) March 16, 2025
Sterling has yet to pitch in the Minor Leagues, but he’s still ranked in the top 10 Minor League prospects in Pittsburgh’s organization. His four-pitch mix is a great sign of things to come, with a plus curveball, a fastball that’s continuing to develop, as well as a sweeper and a changeup. At just 18-years old, he will continue to fill into a large 6’5” frame, and some added mass should help with the velocity on his fastball to put him in the same realm as guys like Bubba Chandler and Jared Jones.
Anytime the Pirates draft a pitcher in this round I now automatically think he will be a top prospect in a years time.
Welcome Levi Sterling
— Kody Duncan (@KodyDuncanPGH) July 15, 2024
Levi Sterling is the number nine ranked prospect in Pittsburgh’s system.