He’s a handful, and he can haul the ball to the plate
Right-Handed Relief Pitcher
6´6´´
240 pounds
Age: 21
First Appearance among the South Side Sox Top 100 Prospects
2024 High Level Kannapolis (Low-A)
Age relative to high level -0.6 years
SSS rank among all right-handed relief pitchers in the system 14
Overall 2024 stats 0-0 ⚾️ 6 games (1 finish) ⚾️ 6 IP ⚾️ 6.00 ERA ⚾️ 1.167 WHIP ⚾️ 5 K ⚾️ 3 BB
A 13th round pick from the University of Alabama, Pierce George had one of the highest-velocity fastballs in the 2024 draft class. He only threw a total of 11 1⁄3 innings in 2024, mostly due to his severe control issues. That fastball sat 98-100 mph, but it was thrown for a strike just 56% of the time.
George spins the baseball well, and his heater also has above-average ride. As a two-pitch reliever, his fastball is paired with a sharp slider that sits in the 87-90 mph range, but while it had a massive Whiff%, George also struggled to throw it for strikes consistently.
George threw seven innings on the Cape prior to being drafted, where he got hit hard with some diminished fastball velo. On the plus side, the big fella threw more strikes, particularly with his slider. And after the draft in a cup of coffee with Kanny, George gave up four earned runs over six innings with Kannapolis.
At 6´6´´, 240 pounds, George is a big, physical reliever. His delivery to the plate is very Liam Hendriks-esque — tapping the ball in his glove at the top of his leg-lift as a timing mechanism. This is a project for Brian Bannister and his pitching development staff, one that could net a back-of-the-bullpen piece if all goes well.
Given all the seasoning George will need — not only does he have scant experience (30 innings beyond prep ball) but significant mechanical adjustments — don’t expect him beyond Low-A in 2025.
100. Cole McConnell, CF
99. Drake Logan, LF
98. Marcelo Alcala, RF
97. Lyle Miller-Green, 1B
96. Jared Kelley, RHRP
95. Adrian Gil, 1B
94. Adam Hackenberg, C
93. Loidel Chapelli, 2B
92. Eddie Park, CF
91. Chase Plymell, RHRP
90. Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa, RHRP
89. Tristan Stivors, RHRP
88. Pierce George, RHRP
