Wrapping up my interview with Jackson Wolf in Altoona this weekend, I felt I should ask the question that means the most for him in regards to the 2023 Pirates: How close does he feel to being big-league ready?
"This is the best I've ever felt in my entire life," Wolf answered. "I've, selfishly, always felt like I was ready, but now more than ever, I think I'm ready."
Well, good. Given the state of the Pirates' pitching depth, he might need to be called upon before this season is through.
Wolf and fellow southpaw Bailey Falter were both acquired at the trade deadline Thursday, giving the Pirates a couple new young starting pitchers with team control.