The Pirates went heavy on prep players early in the 2024 draft. They selected Levi Sterling, a right-handed pitcher out of Notre Dame High School in California, 37th overall, and gave him an overslot bonus of $2,511,400. 

He spent the majority of 2025 in the Florida Complex League, but did make one final appearance for Low-A Bradenton to close out the season.

Overall, it was a rough season for Sterling, as he posted a 6.09 ERA over 34 1/3 innings pitched. One of the strong points for him going through the draft process was his control, but he struggled to throw strikes at times. Sterling ended up walking 23 batters, a 14.2% rate.

 

It’s a four-pitch mix for Sterling – fastball, slider, curveball, and change-up, the latter of which is his best offering. The fastball can reach the mid-90s, but sits in the 91-92 range, with a flat approach and good carry. 

One of the younger players in the 2024 draft, Sterling won’t turn 20 until September. He’ll likely begin the year with Bradenton, with a shot to make it to Greensboro by the end of the year. 

Control will be key for him, but he does have the frame that should allow him to add some velocity to the fastball down the road. He has back-of-the-rotation upside right now, but that could change if the velocity on the fastball improves.Â