Striking out or scoring a home run: Will Pirates’ prospect Anthony Solometo emulate Tony Watson’s path post-tumultuous season?
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Anthony Solometo faced challenges during the 2024 season, raising questions about his future trajectory. Drawing parallels to former All-Star pitcher Tony Watson, Solometo’s performance has sparked discussions on whether he could pivot towards a successful career akin to Watson’s post-initial struggles.
A Season of Struggles
In the recent 2024 season, Solometo encountered setbacks, both in terms of performance and availability. The young pitcher, at the age of 22, struggled on the mound, posting a 5.37 ERA, 5.40 FIP, and a 1.52 WHIP over 70.1 innings, primarily at Double-A level. Notably, his strikeout rate dwindled to a mere 16.9%, coupled with a concerning spike in his walk rate to 12.4%. Despite maintaining a respectable 1.01 HR/9 rate, Solometo’s control and velocity regressed from his promising 2023 season.
Parallels to Tony Watson
Solometo’s physical attributes and pitching style draw intriguing similarities to the accomplished Watson. Both left-handed pitchers share a comparable build, with Solometo currently standing at 6’4″ and 220 pounds, akin to Watson’s 6’3″ and 224-pound frame. Moreover, their pitching mechanics exhibit resemblances, with Solometo’s vertical release point aligning closely with Watson’s during his early career with the Pirates.
A Path to Success
Reflecting on Watson’s career trajectory unveils a promising narrative for Solometo. Watson, too, faced difficulties during his initial stint at Altoona in 2009 before transitioning into a successful bullpen role. Despite not possessing overpowering velocity, Watson’s focus on control and consistency propelled him to become a key figure in the Pirates’ bullpen, showcasing the potential for Solometo to follow a similar path.
Age and Development
While Solometo’s age aligns differently with Watson’s career timeline, with Solometo entering his fourth professional season at 22, the comparison remains valid. Both pitchers started their careers as starters before encountering challenges at Altoona, emphasizing the transformative potential of transitioning to a relief role. Solometo’s upcoming 2025 season presents a pivotal juncture, offering an opportunity to refine his skills and potentially emulate Watson’s successful evolution into a dominant setup man.
Conclusion
As Solometo navigates through a critical phase in his career, the parallels drawn between his trajectory and Watson’s evolution serve as insightful markers for his future development. While Solometo’s path may diverge from Watson’s in certain aspects, the foundation laid out by their shared experiences underscores the potential for Solometo to carve his own success story, reminiscent of Watson’s remarkable journey from initial struggles to All-Star prominence.