Jarod Bayless ready for new chapter with the Pirates

Over the winter, the Pittsburgh Pirates were busy adding to their depth. That included signing a handful of players to major league deals, but they also improved their minor league system. One of those additions was Jarod Bayless, who began his career with the Seattle Mariners. 

In 121 games in the minors, Bayless has posted a 4.49 ERA while striking out 192. batters. He has held opponents to a .227 batting average and was trusted in high-leverage situations with 14 saves. While Bayless is adjusting to a new organization for the first time, the Pirates have made the 28-year-old feel at home. 

"It's been really cool, "said Bayless. "I feel like I've been empowered as an athlete a ton, which is something of a passion of mine. I'm an exercise science major and am really passionate about getting the top levels back to the youth. So far, everyone has been super helpful. Whatever I need to get ready, I have. I know it's just bullpen or playing catch right now, but it definitely feels like that's an intentional decision that everyone is making as well."

During his time in the Mariners system, Bayless made it to Triple-A. He appeared in two games for the Tacoma Rainers in 2023 and did not allow an earned run. While it was only a small sample size, the 2019 draftee impressed. At each level, Bayless has improved his game and adapted to the changes in competition. 

"I think you see guys that get into pro ball, and you can get really good at throwing hard, throwing a nasty pitch and locating it," Bayless said. "Those are the three big levers that you need to manipulate to advance up the levels. You'll see guys in college who have one of those things. Each level demands that you have all three of those. At the big leagues, you see all those working harmoniously or rarely unless you sit 105 miles per hour and can get away with not having a breaking ball. Through each level, you are forced to get better at all three in a different way." 

Bayless's focus this year will be on continuing to master his craft. He has joined an organization that specializes in pitching. For a player like Bayless, who has had success at every level in the minors, this could be an organization where he thrives and makes it to the majors.

"I wanna make the big leagues," said Bayless. "That's first and foremost my goal. I feel like I may not have fully embraced it before, which may sound crazy to consider as a minor leaguer. There are so many steps to get there that sometimes it seems far away. You're like, I need to hit this checkmark or this checkmark. Last year, maybe I did have some answers like that, and I felt like no, this year, that's something to get changed. Right now, I'm training myself to handle all types of hitters and be the best pitcher I can be." 

After signing with the Pirates on February 10, Bayless was assigned to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. If he can flash his 2023 form when he posted a 3.14 ERA in 40 games, he could quickly earn a promotion. With an offseason full of change and adversity in the rearview mirror, he is more ready than ever to make his dreams come true.

“ I’m glad to have been given this opportunity and I am going to run with it and make the most of it,” said Bayless.