WVU Reliever Carlson Reed Signs with Pirates

Former WVU pitcher Carlson Reed signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday after becoming their fourth-round pick in the MLB Draft last weekend. Reed forfeits his final year of eligibility with the Mountaineers, and he’s set to join Pittsburgh’s rookie ball club in the Florida Complex League.

Reed stands 6-foot-4, a lanky flamethrower who logged a 2.61 ERA in 38 innings this season. 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.

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

The Mountaineers will miss Reed’s talent, but they can survive his absence.

That’s because Randy Mazey got ahead of the curve to replace key losses, working to fortify the pitching room through the transfer portal this offseason.

Rising sophomore Luke Lyman, in particular, looks to become a key bullpen arm for years to come.

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.