Braxton Ashcraft Bio
Braxton Ashcraft is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 2018 MLB draft and made his professional debut that summer. Despite facing challenges such as surgeries and injuries early in his career, he has shown resilience and has been active in the MLB since his debut in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Braxton Ashcraft was born on October 5, 1999. He grew up in Robinson, Texas, where he attended Robinson High School. Ashcraft’s early exposure to baseball came through his father, Tony, who coached him in youth baseball from ages nine to thirteen. This foundational experience helped shape his skills and passion for the sport.
Path to Baseball
During his high school years, Braxton Ashcraft excelled not only in baseball but also in track, football, and basketball. He notably caught seven touchdown passes in a single high school football game in 2017, just one shy of a state record. His athletic prowess caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2018 MLB draft.
Braxton Ashcraft Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
After being drafted in 2018, Ashcraft signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and made his professional debut with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Pirates that summer. In 2019, he pitched for the Low-A West Virginia Black Bears, where he logged a 1-9 record with a 5.77 earned run average (ERA) and 39 strikeouts over 11 starts. Unfortunately, Ashcraft faced significant setbacks, including shoulder surgery that year and a torn meniscus surgery in 2020, which limited his playing time.
Breakthrough (2021–2025)
Following his recovery, Ashcraft returned to the mound in 2021, playing for the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers. He made ten starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August, which sidelined him for the entire 2022 season. In 2023, he made a comeback, playing for the Single-A Bradenton Marauders, Greensboro, and the Double-A Altoona Curve. He posted a cumulative 0-3 record with a 2.39 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 52+2⁄3 innings pitched. On November 14, 2023, the Pirates added Ashcraft to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, showcasing their confidence in his abilities.
Notable Works and Milestones
Ashcraft’s major league debut came on May 26, 2025, when he pitched three innings in a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, striking out his first batter. He recorded his first career win on June 8, 2025, after pitching 1+1⁄3 scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Braxton Ashcraft Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Braxton Ashcraft has not yet received major award nominations, primarily due to the early stages of his professional journey and the challenges he has faced.
Braxton Ashcraft Awards Won
As of now, Braxton Ashcraft has not won any significant awards in his professional baseball career.
Braxton Ashcraft Family
Braxton Ashcraft is engaged to Cassidy Green, who also grew up in Robinson, Texas. His parents are Karen and Tony Ashcraft, and he has three siblings.
Personal Life
Ashcraft’s personal life reflects his commitment to both family and sport. He remains engaged to Cassidy Green, and their relationship has been a source of support throughout his career. His family has played a significant role in his development as an athlete, particularly his father’s influence during his formative years in baseball.