Pitcher Matt Pidich selected in 8th Round of MLB Draft by Cincinnati Reds

On Tuesday, Pitt had relief pitcher R.J. Freure selected in the sixth round by the Houston Astros. Shortly after that, starting pitcher Matt Pidich heard his name called. Pidich was chosen in the eighth round (No. 229 overall) by the Cincinnati Reds.

Pidich was, without a doubt, Pitt’s top hurler in 2018. This year, he was 6-2 in making 15 starts, posting a 3.05 ERA. Striking out 99 batters in 91 ¹⁄₃ innings, he led the team in Ks, more than doubling his total last year.

“I would like to thank the Cincinnati Reds organization for selecting me,” Pidich said. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity to continue to play the game I love. For as long as I can remember it has always been a dream of mine to play professional baseball and now that dream has come true. I owe a huge thank you to my parents for all of their encouragement and guidance since I first picked up a baseball. I would also like to thank all of my coaches, both past and present, my teammates, my family and friends for all of their support along the way. I am very excited and looking forward to the next chapter of my baseball career.

Head coach Joe Jordano called Pidich a complete pitcher.

“Matt is as close to a complete pitcher as we have on our staff,” said head coach Joe Jordano. “He’s a competitor. He’s a complete pitcher and his very meticulous work ethic and attention to detail will benefit him throughout the next chapter of his baseball career. I look forward to watching his progress.”

As a senior, we knew Pitt would lose their top starter. But also losing Freure as well means the team has a couple of big holes on its staff for next season.

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