The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Sulser in the tenth round, with the 298th overall selection, of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He made his professional debut with the Low–A West Virginia Black Bears. In 2018, Sulser returned to West Virginia, now the Single–A Power, and registered a 5–8 record and 2.35 ERA with 63 strikeouts and 8 saves.[4]
Sulser spent the 2019 campaign with the Double–A Altoona Curve, compiling an 8–3 record and 2.72 ERA with 63 strikeouts across 96 innings pitched.[5] He did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] Sulser spent 2021 with the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians, accumulating a 7–9 record and 5.65 ERA with 102 strikeouts over 122+2⁄3 innings of work.[7]
On April 24, 2022, the Pirates promoted Sulser to the major leagues.[8] He made his major league debut on April 26.[9] Sulser appeared in four games for Pittsburgh, allowing four runs in 9+2⁄3 innings. He was designated for assignment on May 12.[10]
On November 23, 2022, Sulser signed a one-year, $740,000 contract with the KT Wiz of the KBO League.[14] Sulser made 9 starts for the Wiz in 2023, struggling to a 1–7 record and 5.62 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 49+2⁄3 innings pitched. He was removed from the active roster on May 29, and released by the team on June 9, after William Cuevas was signed.[15]
Pittsburgh Pirates (second stint)
On June 29, 2023, Sulser signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.[16] In 12 games (7 starts) split between the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians and Double–A Altoona Curve, he accumulated a 6.13 ERA with 28 strikeouts across 39+2⁄3 innings. Sulser elected free agency following the season on November 6.[17]
Toronto Blue Jays
On May 4, 2024, Sulser signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.[18] In 17 games (8 starts) for the Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, he posted a 3–7 record and 5.29 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 47+2⁄3 innings pitched. Sulser was released by the Blue Jays organization on August 6.[19]
Pittsburgh Pirates (third stint)
On August 15, 2024, Sulser signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[20] He spent the remainder of the year with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, also making one appearance for the Double-A Altoona Curve. In 6 games (3 starts) for Indianapolis, Sulser posted a 1-1 record and 6.53 ERA with 22 strikeouts across 20+2⁄3 innings pitched. He elected free agency following the season on November 4.[21]
Rakuten Monkeys
On January 21, 2025, Sulser signed with the Rakuten Monkeys of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.[22] In 16 appearances (15 starts) for the team, he logged a 6-7 record and 3.89 ERA with 62 strikeouts across 83+1⁄3 innings pitched. With the Monkeys, Sulser won the 2025 Taiwan Series.[23] He became a free agent following the season.
Coaching career
On February 8, 2026, Sulser was hired by the Tampa Bay Rays in a player development role.[24]
Personal life
His brother, Cole, is also a professional baseball player.[25]
_(cropped).jpg)
