LAKE WORTH – One phone call can change a life forever.
Today (July 10), Alabama LHP Hunter Furtado was selected 167th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
When asked about this special moment, Furtado said:
“Hearing my name called while being surrounded by my family is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life!” Furtado said. “I’d like to thank God for blessing me, without Him, none of this would be possible. I’m thankful to the Pirates for believing in me, and I’m ready to prove them right everyday! They’re a great organization with a bright future, and I’m ready to get to work!”
Furtado is a local Palm Beach County alum, attending The King’s Academy and graduating from there in 2020. While in high school, he was rated as the No. 7 left-handed pitcher in Florida.
During his senior season at TKA, Furtado recorded:
Pitching
•3-1 record
•31 strikeouts
•0.37 ERA
Batting
•.481 batting average
•13 hits
•4 runs
•6 runs batted in (RBI’s)
Unfortunately, Furtado’s stellar senior season at King’s was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When asked about his career at TKA, Furtado said:
“My time at The King’s Academy was great! There were a lot of people that helped me get to where I am today!” Furtado said “I was surrounded by the best coaches, including Coach Brad Wilkerson and Coach Jarrod Saltalamacchia, along with other sports coaches that helped me develop the work ethic and drive I have today. They built me up, not only as a baseball player, but also into the man I am today, and I’m very thankful for all of the lessons I learned at TKA.”
Furtado then signed and committed himself to play at Wake Forest.
Photo Credits: Dan Calvelli
During his freshman season at Wake, Furtado saw action early on, appearing in 22 games for the Demon Deacons. He recorded 27 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched.
After the 2021 season, Furtado announced his transfer to Alabama.
Photo Credits: Wake Forest Athletics
After transferring to Bama, Furtado was used as a relief pitcher. In two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he recorded:
•4-3 record
•68 innings pitched
•71 strikeouts
When asked about his time at Alabama, Furtado said:
“My time at Alabama was amazing! I had great coaches that believed in me and pushed me to make my dream happen.” Furtado said “I love Alabama and I’m happy to call it my home. It was an amazing opportunity to play there, I love the Tide.”
Photo Credits: Alabama Athletics
While at Alabama, Furtado clocked top pitch speeds of 95-96 MPH. He is able to pair his blazing fastball with an elite changeup and slider. Furtado’s pitch arsenal is going to provide the Pirates with an elite leftie talent that they will add to their young farm system for many years to come.
Congratulations to Hunter and the entire Furtado family. All of us at New Era Prep are excited to watch your MLB career.
