WVU Product Carlson Reed Impresses in Debut for Pirates Single-A Affiliate

On the same night the current Mountaineers picked up a big win, a WVU product was also able to impress under the lights. Carlson Reed got the start for the Bradenton Marauders in their Opening Day game on Friday night.

Reed pitched four shutout innings, allowing only two hits and two walks with six strikeouts. He displayed an ability to overpower batters, much the same way he did in college as a Mountaineer.

The WVU product. 👇 https://t.co/UvTmEnhSJk

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) April 6, 2024

Despite Reed’s solid outing, Bradenton fell 5-2 to Clearwater. But for Reed, winning or losing is not as important as excelling individually so he can advance beyond the Single-A level.

Reed, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round of the 2023 MLB Draft, stands 6-foot-4 as a lanky flamethrower who logged a 2.61 ERA in 38 innings in his final season for WVU. A starting pitcher for his first two seasons, Reed found his greatest success after transitioning to the bullpen. Given a couple years to develop in the minors, the Pirates might like his starting upside.

WVU Reliever Carlson Reed Signs with Pirates

Reed struck out 60 batters (walking 25) in 2023, the kind of lockdown arm perfect for close game scenarios.

MLB.com listed Reed as the No. 196 player on their Top 250 Draft Prospects List. The No. 104 pick, Reed’s signing bonus doubled the slot value of his projected pick.

Pittsburgh could think they know something other teams don’t, as they had several chances to see Reed pitch up close. Morgantown is 70 minutes away, and he played two games in the Steel City—including at PNC Park in the Backyard Brawl—in 2023.