Drafted in the second round in 2021, Anthony Solometo was one of several prep prospects to get over-slot signing bonuses from the Pirates that year. That group also included Bubba Chandler and Lonnie White Jr.
Solometo, 22, was the most advanced of the bunch, and that showed by getting to Double-A at 20 years old. He hit a wall last year, posting a 5.37 ERA with 39 walks and 53 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched. That included trips back to the Complex and Bradenton to try and get right.
With a tall 6-5 frame, Solometo relies more on deception and command as opposed to overpowering the opposition. He throws a fastball, sinker, slider, and change-up from a unique delivery that is partially reminiscent of Madison Bumgarner.
A big key in rebounding in 2025 is to find some of the velocity he had when he was drafted. Solometo has been up to 92/93 (in high school, he had a game where he threw 95/96) but averaged 89 mph with it in 2024. The next step will be locating his pitches better.
Solometo has the makings of a back-of-the-rotation starter if he gets back on the right path. He's still just 22, but this will likely be the third year he's played in Altoona.
For more on the Pirates' system, visit Bucs on Deck.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Anthony Murphy
4:39 pm - 01.31.2025Gordonsville, Va.Today's prospect: Anthony Solometo
Drafted in the second round in 2021, Anthony Solometo was one of several prep prospects to get over-slot signing bonuses from the Pirates that year. That group also included Bubba Chandler and Lonnie White Jr.
Solometo, 22, was the most advanced of the bunch, and that showed by getting to Double-A at 20 years old. He hit a wall last year, posting a 5.37 ERA with 39 walks and 53 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched. That included trips back to the Complex and Bradenton to try and get right.
With a tall 6-5 frame, Solometo relies more on deception and command as opposed to overpowering the opposition. He throws a fastball, sinker, slider, and change-up from a unique delivery that is partially reminiscent of Madison Bumgarner.
A big key in rebounding in 2025 is to find some of the velocity he had when he was drafted. Solometo has been up to 92/93 (in high school, he had a game where he threw 95/96) but averaged 89 mph with it in 2024. The next step will be locating his pitches better.
Solometo has the makings of a back-of-the-rotation starter if he gets back on the right path. He's still just 22, but this will likely be the third year he's played in Altoona.
For more on the Pirates' system, visit Bucs on Deck.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!