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Hunter Barco
Hunter Barco was one of the Pirates’ many pitchers they took in the 2022 draft. The lefty out of the University of Florida finally got his first extended look in pro ball last year after missing most of 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Not only did Barco impress in the minor leagues last season, but he is also doing so in spring training now.
Barco has pitched one scoreless inning thus far into spring training, striking out two batters. Sure, it’s only a single game, but he mowed down the heart of the Atlanta Braves’ lineup, striking out Austin Riley on three pitches and Marcell Ozuna on just four. He also got Matt Olson to fly out. During his spring debut, Barco was clocked up to 96 MPH.
This came after he posted a 3.27 ERA, 3.29 FIP, and 1.06 WHIP across 66 frames between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona. He was great at striking out opponents with a 31.2% K%, and only allowed walks to 8.3% of batters he squared off against. Barco was one of only 39 total pitchers across all of minor league baseball with at least 15 games started, an ERA under 3.50, a K% of at least 30%, and a walk rate under 9%.
If the spring training radar readings are accurate, this would represent an uptick from what Barco was previously throwing. An increase in velocity for Barco could go a long way. The southpaw has displayed solid control throughout the minor leagues and has a low, deceptive arm slot. Barco has a chance to make his MLB debut this season, and if his spring training is a preview for things to come, then he’ll be well on his way towards do so.