Richard Fitts Bio
Richard Logan Fitts is an American professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Boston Red Sox. Fitts grew up in Helena, Alabama, where he had a successful high school career at Helena High School. He later played college baseball at Auburn University before being drafted by the New York Yankees in 2021. Fitts has made a name for himself in the minor leagues, winning the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2023 before making his MLB debut in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Richard Fitts was born on December 17, 1999, in Helena, Alabama. He attended Helena High School, where he excelled in baseball. During his senior year, he achieved a 6–5 win-loss record with a remarkable 1.68 earned run average (ERA) and tallied 102 strikeouts in 74 and two-thirds innings pitched. His performance in high school set the foundation for his future in baseball, showcasing his talent and determination.
After high school, Fitts enrolled at Auburn University to play college baseball for the Auburn Tigers. He began to gain more consistent playing time towards the end of his freshman season in 2019, making two appearances in the College World Series. He finished that year with a 5.31 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 62 and two-thirds innings pitched. In his sophomore year, he made six appearances, achieving a 1–0 record and a 2.77 ERA before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Path to Baseball
Fitts entered his junior season at Auburn on the watchlist for the Golden Spikes Award, which recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the United States. He finished the season with a 1–3 record, a 5.88 ERA, and 41 strikeouts over 41 and one-third innings. During the summer, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, further honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.
In 2021, the New York Yankees selected Fitts in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft. He signed with the team and made his professional debut in 2022 with the Single–A Tampa Tarpons. After pitching to a 5.01 ERA in 17 starts, he was promoted to the High–A Hudson Valley Renegades, where he recorded an impressive 0.55 ERA in five starts. His performance in the minor leagues earned him recognition, culminating in winning the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2023 with the Double–A Somerset Patriots, where he logged an 11–5 record and a 3.48 ERA with 163 strikeouts across 27 starts.
Richard Fitts Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Fitts began his professional career with the Tampa Tarpons in 2022, where he faced the challenges of transitioning from college baseball to the professional level. Despite a rocky start, he quickly adapted and excelled with the Hudson Valley Renegades, showcasing his potential as a promising pitcher. His performance in 2023 with the Somerset Patriots solidified his reputation, leading to his recognition as the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year.
On December 5, 2023, the New York Yankees traded Fitts, along with two other players, to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Alex Verdugo. Entering the 2024 season, he was ranked as the Red Sox’s number 11 minor-league prospect by Baseball America. Fitts began the year with the Triple–A Worcester Red Sox, compiling a 9–5 record and a 4.17 ERA with 111 strikeouts over 24 games, further establishing himself as a key player in the organization.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Fitts made his MLB debut on September 8, 2024, after being selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. He made four starts for the Boston Red Sox during his rookie campaign, posting an 0-1 record and a 1.74 ERA with nine strikeouts across 20 and two-thirds innings pitched. His first career win came on July 7, 2025, when he allowed two runs over five and two-thirds innings pitched against the Colorado Rockies.
Following his time with the Red Sox, on November 25, 2025, Fitts was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. His transition to the Cardinals marks a new chapter in his career as he continues to develop his skills and contribute to his team’s success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Richard Fitts’s signature work includes his remarkable season with the Somerset Patriots, where he won the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Award. He has also made significant contributions to the Boston Red Sox during his rookie season, showcasing his potential as a valuable pitcher in Major League Baseball.
Richard Fitts Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Richard Fitts has received notable recognition for his performance on the field, including his selection as the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year in 2023.
Richard Fitts Awards Won
Richard Fitts has achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2023 for his outstanding performance in the minor leagues.
Richard Fitts Family
Information regarding Richard Fitts’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Richard Fitts’s personal life, including his marital status and relationships, are not publicly disclosed.