In this week’s Farm Report, we will take a look at the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 18th overall pick in Quinn Priester. He is a 19-year old prospect from Cary, Illinois. In Priester’s senior year, he was phenomenal; he had a record of 8-2 with an even 1.00 ERA and struck out 91 batters in 60.1 innings pitched. His senior year resulted in being named Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year.
Priester has somewhat of a legend about him; it is said that throughout his entire life, he never had a pitching coach. If true, it is quite incredible that he succeeded for so long and was successful enough to be drafted in the first round.
In his first year in the Gulf Coast League, Priester had productive numbers. In 8 games played, he posted a record of 1-1, 3.03 ERA, 37 strikeouts, an excellent 1.194 WHIP, and all on 32.2 innings pitched. His pitching repertoire is eye-opening and gives fans hope for his future, with a mid 90’s fastball, and a curveball that is regarded as one of the best in his class.
With Pirates’ new GM Ben Cherrington and his history of virtually reviving two farm systems notably, the Toronto Blue Jays give Pirates fans hope for prospects like Priester to develop into a future starter. With first-year numbers like Priester’s, one won’t be wrong saying he should be up to the big league in the next few years.
Photo Credit- Matthew Apgar, Northwest Herald
