Arkansas Catcher Gets the Call After Six Years in the Minors

Former Razorback backstop's contract selected by Pirates to make debut

Arkansas Razorbacks starting catcher Grant Koch walks to the dugout after warming up before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As the 2024 Arkansas team gets ready for a postseason run, a former Razorback gets ready to make his major league debut as a Pittsburgh Pirate.

Grant Koch, who played for the Razorbacks from 2016-2018, was originally drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He had his contract selected from the Indianapolis Indians, the AAA affiliate of the Pirates. Koch's move comes as Pittsburgh put former No.2 overall pick of the same draft class, Joey Bart, on the injured list with a thumb injury.

The Pirates have activated 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes from the 10-day injured list and selected the contract of C Grant Koch, who was on the taxi squad. They also placed LHP Martin Perez (groin) on the 15-day IL and C Joey Bart (thumb) on the 10-day IL, both retroactive to May 27.

— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) May 28, 2024

Koch made appearances in 158 games across three seasons and hit 22 homers in a Razorback uniform. His 13 homers in 2017 are still the most by a catcher in a single season in the Dave Van Horn era. Koch also started every game behind the plate during the Hogs 2018 postseason run to the College World Series Finals.

In 1,046 career minor league at-bats, Koch has a slash line of .203/.284/.322 across all-levels.

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