Pirates fans will love Seth Hernandez's reaction to sharing rotation with Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates took Seth Hernandez with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, and he couldn’t hide his excitement about pitching with current ace Paul Skenes. After being pulled onto MLB Network, the 19-year-old noted pitching with Skenes was “probably my first thought” and called the NL All-Star starter "unbelievable".

Pirates fans were not ecstatic with this pick as their system is loaded with arms, but Hernandez rated as one of the best prospects in this class. His changeup and fastball could become elite pitches in time. The teenager was just too good to pass up at sixth overall, and Hernandez has an elite mentor in Skenes.

The teenager is ecstatic to learn from the best pitcher in the game. Hernandez noted he's also excited to share a rotation with Jared Jones, so he seems excited to be in Pittsburgh and ready to get to work (though ... he didn't mention Mitch Keller ...).

New Pirates first-round pick Seth Hernandez couldn’t hide his excitement about playing with Paul Skenes

Hernandez is four years younger than Skenes, and the duo could be the foundation of an elite Pirates rotation in time. The Pirates have Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, and Thomas Harrington in the minors to bolster their rotation. Pittsburgh’s playoff drought will reach a decade after this season, but the future pitching staff could be elite if everything breaks right.

Hernandez already throws 100 mph and many think he was the best high school right-hander over the last ten years. It is on the Pirates to develop him, but the potential is there. Learning from Skenes and Chandler should help. Pirates fans should be ecstatic, especially after the teenager's excitement to pitch with the team’s current star.

Fans wanted them to fill a need at the top of the 2025 draft, but all the angst is unnecessary. Hernandez is a special talent that is pumped to join the Pirates. That is a win for the organization and puts them one step closer to an elite MLB rotation. Hernandez will need years to develop, but he could reach the big leagues as Skenes enters his prime.

The Pittsburgh Pirates did not cheap out and try to go below slot with this draft pick. Seth Hernandez will command a hefty bonus and deserves one. He is an elite right-handed prospect with massive upside. Pittsburgh took the swing and everybody should be amped about the newest Pirate. The teenager may be the most pumped, as he gets to share a rotation with Paul Skenes.