COLUMBIA, S.C. — University of South Carolina first baseman Josiah Sightler's professional career is underway.
The former Swansea standout has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team which drafted him in the 15th round of the 2022 MLB Draft.
During the 2022 season, Sightler played in 51 games for the Gamecocks, hitting .300 with 35 runs scored, 11 doubles, a team-high 15 home runs and 31 RBI.
As a junior in 2021, Sightler hit seven home runs so the lefthander was able to more than double his output in that category.
In addition to playing first base, Sightler occasionally pitched over his college career and recorded 16 strikeouts in 13 innings and posted a 7.62 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP.
Signing with the Pirates, Sightler received a $125,000 bonus.
