Gunnar Hoglund

GUNNAR HOGLUND, RIGHT HANDED PITCHER
Born: December 17, 1999
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 210
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drafted: Comp Round A, 36th Overall, 2018
How Acquired: Draft
High School: Fivay HS
Agent: N/A

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

Hoglund has the frame of a classic projectable prep pitcher at 6′ 4″, 210 pounds. He’s already seen an increase to his velocity, sitting 89-93 for most of his senior year, and reaching as high as 95-96 MPH routinely. He’s got an easy and effortless arm action, which makes it easier to add velocity as he adds muscle to his young frame.

The biggest thing that stands out about him is his plus control. That really stood out in his senior year when he had a 105:2 K/BB ratio in ten starts. The two walks came in his final game when he was pitching with the flu. The combination of plus control and improved velocity put him as a consensus top 100 prospect in this draft.

He’s got a curveball that has improved, with some slurve action. The pitch currently projects around average, and will need further improvements to give him an above-average or plus out pitch in the future. While he has easy arm action, his mechanics could also afford to be cleaned up, which is something the Pirates have done well with over the years.

Hoglund also plays first base, and hit .385 with four homers this year. He has a commitment to Mississippi and could be a two-way player there. However, the Pirates drafted him high enough that they should be able to get him signed and get him going in rookie ball this summer.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2018: Minor league contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus:
MiLB Debut:
MLB Debut:
MiLB FA Eligible: 2024
MLB FA Eligible:
Rule 5 Eligible: 2022
Added to 40-Man:
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 4, 2018: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in comp round A, 36th overall pick.