Braxton Ashcraft – The Promising Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Making Waves in 2024

Braxton Ashcraft, a rising star in Major League Baseball, has been on the radar of baseball enthusiasts since he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018. Despite facing some setbacks due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery and a forearm injury in 2024, Ashcraft’s talent and work ethic continue to shine through. As he recovers and refines his skills, 2024 could be a pivotal year for the young pitcher. His journey from a high school football and baseball star to a promising MLB prospect highlights the resilience and dedication he’s shown on his path to professional baseball.

Ashcraft, who stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 195 pounds, was initially a two-sport athlete. He caught 37 touchdowns in a single football season before deciding to focus solely on baseball. His decision to skip college and sign with the Pirates for $1.825 million after being drafted in the second round speaks to his potential. As of late 2024, Braxton’s focus on his pitching development, including improving his changeup, has captured the attention of both scouts and fans.

Summary of Braxton Ashcraft’s Key Information

Key Takeaways

• Braxton Ashcraft is a promising pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, known for his strong control and powerful pitch mix.
• Despite facing injury challenges, including Tommy John surgery and a forearm injury in 2024, he is working diligently on improving his skills, particularly his changeup.
• Ashcraft’s high school football background, where he was a standout wide receiver, played a key role in his athletic development.
• His scouting report highlights a fastball and slider combination, with a changeup still in need of refinement.
• Ashcraft’s performance in the minor leagues, especially his impressive ERA and WHIP stats in 2024, positions him as a key player to watch in the coming seasons.

Braxton Ashcraft – Early Life and Athletic Background

Braxton Ashcraft was born on October 5, 1999, in Waco, Texas. Growing up, he was a dual-sport athlete, excelling in both baseball and football. In high school, Ashcraft was a wide receiver on the football team, where he showcased his speed and athleticism by catching 37 touchdowns in a single season. This football background helped him build the physical and mental toughness needed to succeed in baseball. His commitment to baseball was solidified when he chose to forgo his college education at Baylor University, instead signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being drafted in 2018.

This decision to focus on baseball proved to be the right one as Braxton quickly began making a name for himself within the Pirates’ minor league system. His raw talent, combined with his dedication to improving, set the stage for a promising career in professional baseball.

Braxton Ashcraft’s Journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates

After being drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Braxton Ashcraft signed a lucrative contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He started his professional journey in the minor leagues, where his impressive size and athleticism quickly caught the eye of scouts. Throughout his early years, Ashcraft’s fastball and slider earned rave reviews, with many noting his strong control on the mound.

However, his career faced challenges when he underwent Tommy John surgery, a common but serious procedure for pitchers. Despite this setback, Ashcraft demonstrated resilience, working hard to return to form. By 2024, his performance in the minors had been strong, though his changeup remained a pitch he was still working to refine. His perseverance and commitment to improvement are key factors in why many believe he has a bright future ahead in Major League Baseball.

Injury Setbacks and Recovery – A Test of Resilience

Injuries have been a recurring issue for Braxton Ashcraft, with the most recent setback occurring in June 2024 when he was placed on the injured list due to a right forearm injury. This injury marked the third time Ashcraft had faced injury-related challenges since his Tommy John surgery. However, his determination to recover and develop further has not wavered. In recent months, Ashcraft has focused on improving his changeup, a pitch that has lagged behind his other offerings, including his fastball and slider.

Despite the injury challenges, Ashcraft has shown tremendous growth. His strong performance in the minor leagues in 2024, with an ERA of 0.47 over 19.1 innings, and a WHIP of 0.98, has raised expectations for his potential impact at the MLB level. His ability to bounce back from injuries and improve his skills suggests that Braxton Ashcraft is poised for a successful career once fully healthy.

Scouting Report – What Makes Braxton Ashcraft Stand Out

Braxton Ashcraft’s scouting report has earned him praise as one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top pitching prospects. His tall frame and powerful arm make him an imposing presence on the mound, and his pitch mix—primarily a fastball, slider, and developing changeup—has drawn attention from scouts. His fastball is particularly strong, earning a 60 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale, while his slider has also been highly rated. The primary area for improvement is his changeup, which he is working to refine, but the potential is certainly there.

One of Ashcraft’s strengths is his control. He has shown the ability to consistently hit his spots, keeping hitters off balance with his pitch selection. With continued development, especially on his changeup, Ashcraft could become a dominant force in Major League Baseball in the coming years.

Braxton Ashcraft’s Future in MLB – What’s Next?

As of 2024, Braxton Ashcraft is still a work in progress, but his potential is undeniable. His impressive stats in the minors and his ability to recover from injuries suggest that he could soon make an impact at the MLB level. The Pirates have high hopes for Ashcraft as part of their future pitching rotation. With continued development and a bit of luck on the injury front, he could be a key contributor to the team’s success in the near future.

Given his determination and impressive skill set, Braxton Ashcraft’s career trajectory is one that many fans and scouts will be watching closely in the years to come. If he can stay healthy and continue to refine his pitches, it’s likely that Ashcraft will make a name for himself in Major League Baseball.

FAQs

What is Braxton Ashcraft’s primary pitch?
Braxton Ashcraft’s primary pitches include a fastball, slider, and a developing changeup. His fastball and slider are his strongest pitches.

How tall is Braxton Ashcraft?
Braxton Ashcraft stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall, making him an imposing presence on the mound.

What injuries has Braxton Ashcraft had?
Braxton Ashcraft has faced multiple injuries in his career, including Tommy John surgery and a right forearm injury in 2024. These injuries have temporarily set back his development, but he has worked hard to recover.

Is Braxton Ashcraft related to Graham Ashcraft?
There is no known relation between Braxton Ashcraft and Graham Ashcraft, despite sharing a similar last name.

What were Braxton Ashcraft’s stats in 2024?
In 2024, Braxton Ashcraft posted an impressive ERA of 0.47 over 19.1 innings pitched with a WHIP of 0.98 and a strikeout rate of 6.52 per nine innings.

Where did Braxton Ashcraft play high school sports?
Braxton Ashcraft was a two-sport athlete in high school, excelling in both baseball and football. He was a standout wide receiver, catching 37 touchdowns in one season.