Stratton signed with the Pirates and made his professional debut with the Bristol Pirates of the Rookie-levelAppalachian League, going 0–2 with a 4.81 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 43 innings.[4] He spent the 2018 season with the West Virginia Power of the Single–ASouth Atlantic League with whom he appeared in 22 games (making twenty starts) and went 6–5 with a 4.16 ERA and 82 strikeouts over 101+2⁄3 innings.[5] In 2019, he pitched for the Bradenton Marauders of the High–AFlorida State League where he pitched 72 innings and compiled a 5–4 record and 4.25 ERA.[6] Stratton did not play a minor league game in 2020 due the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] Stratton began the 2021 season with the Altoona Curve of the Double-A Northeast and was promoted to the Indianapolis Indians of the Triple-A East during the season.[8][9] Over 38 relief appearances between the two teams, he went 2–2 with a 2.39 ERA and seventy strikeouts over 49 innings.[10] After the season, he played in the Dominican Winter League for the Gigantes del Cibao.[11] He returned to the Indians for the 2022 season.[12] Over 46 relief appearances, he posted a 2–6 record with a 5.71 ERA and 82 strikeouts over 63 innings.[13]
Stratton returned to Triple–A Indianapolis in 2023. In 47 appearances, he registered a 4–4 record and 3.99 ERA with 74 strikeouts and 6 saves in 56+1⁄3 innings pitched.[14] On September 4, 2023, Stratton was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time.[15] In 8 games for the Pirates during his debut campaign, he posted a respectable 2.25 ERA with 10 strikeouts across 12.0 innings of work. On November 17, Stratton was non-tendered and became a free agent.[16]
On December 8, 2023, Stratton re–signed with the Pirates organization on a minor league contract.[17] On March 25, 2024, the Pirates announced that Stratton's contract would be selected after he made the Opening Day roster.[18] In 36 appearances out of the bullpen, he compiled a 3.58 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 37+2⁄3 innings pitched. On August 24, Stratton suffered a ruptured patellar tendon while attempting to cover home plate on a wild pitch that got past Joey Bart. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the season and was placed on the 60–day injured list the following day.[19] On November 22, the Pirates non–tendered Stratton, making him a free agent.[20]
On December 2, 2024, Stratton re–signed with the Pirates on a minor league contract.[21]
Personal life
Stratton married his wife, Lakyn, in November 2019.[22] Their first child, Maverick, was born in March 2024.[23]
