2025 Pirates Prospect Breakout Candidate: Khristian Curtis
In terms of prospects currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ system, perhaps no one has had a rougher journey into pro ball than Khristian Curtis.
As a freshman at Texas A&M in 2021, Curtis underwent ulnar transposition surgery. He returned to the Aggies in 2022, but made only five starts. Curtis, who usually could get his fastball into the upper-90’s, started to notice a vast dip in velocity. The reason being that stitches he had from his first surgery were on his nerve.
A second surgery was performed on Curtis, with members of the medical staff informing Curtis’ parents that not only may he not pitch again, but he might not have full use of his arm in general.
Somehow, Curtis was able to defy the odds and pitch again. Heading into 2023, he had transferred to Arizona State. Although his ERA was at 7.03, with the Sun Devils, the fact he was pitching on a mound was remarkable.
Despite Curtis’ struggles, the Pirates saw enough upside in the 6’5, 210 pound right-hander that he was taken in the 12th round of the ‘23 MLB Draft, and signed for $500,000, which is a pretty significant bonus, for a player selected at that point of the draft.
Curtis began his pro career this year pitching with the Bradenton Marauders. The 22-year-old held his own at the Low A level, posting a 4.06 ERA, a .227 batting average against, and a 9.7 K/9 (81 K in 75.1 IP).
The pitch repertoire is intriguing from Curtis. He uses both a four-seam and two-seam fastball that can get up to 98 mph. Curtis originally had a slider, but has now transitioned it into a mid-90’s cutter. His other secondary pitches include a low-80’s changeup, and an curveball in the upper-70’s, with plenty of good spin. During the second half of the season, the command for Curtis started to improve.
Now pitching in the Arizona Fall League, Curtis has a 5.02 ERA, which is more indicative of the hitter-friendly environments. His best outing came in his AFL debut, where he tossed three perfect innings.
Curtis is the 27th ranked prospect in the Pirates’ organization, according to MLB Pipeline. He’s likely to begin next season at High A Greensboro. If Curtis is able to carry on the improved command of his strong, arensal, while most importantly staying healthy, then 2025 is a chance for him to become another high-upside arm that the Pirates have continued to crank out recently.