Pirates Prospect Update: Seth Hernandez dominance, Edward Florentino promotion, Murf Gray

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ long-term vision keeps getting louder every time Seth Hernandez takes the mound. The 19-year-old right-hander turned in another electric outing for Single-A Bradenton on Friday, striking out nine for the second straight start while flashing a fastball that touched 99 mph.

In what could ironically be labeled his “worst” pro start, Hernandez allowed two solo homers. But he never let an inning spiral and generated an eye-popping 19 whiffs on 37 swings. That’s been the theme of his young professional career: dominance with control.

Through five starts, Hernandez owns a 1.23 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and a staggering 41/6 K/BB ratio across 22 innings, holding hitters to a .133 average with a 50% strikeout rate.

It’s early, but the idea of Hernandez eventually pairing with Paul Skenes atop Pittsburgh’s rotation is starting to feel less like a dream and more like an inevitability in progress.

Pirates Prospect Update: Edward Florentino wastes no time making noise after return from injury

The Pirates may have another fast-rising bat on their hands in Edward Florentino. The 19-year-old, ranked No. 44 overall by MLB Pipeline, wasted little time making an impact at High-A Greensboro, launching his first homer at the level in an 8-6 win over Winston-Salem.

Florentino’s three-run blast to right-center came on an elevated fastball and showcased the easy power that’s quickly becoming his calling card. He finished 2-for-5, building on a strong rehab stint that suggested he was more than ready for the jump.

After missing time with an ankle injury, Florentino tore through Single-A Bradenton during his rehab assignment, slashing .321/.500/.750 with three homers and nearly as many walks (11) as strikeouts (10) in nine games.

Now healthy, he’s back to doing what he did all of last year: producing across the board. With power, patience and speed, Florentino continues to look like a cornerstone piece in Pittsburgh’s future outfield.

Pirates Prospect Update: Murf Gray named Florida State League Player of the Week

The Pirates may have found a fast-moving bat at third base in Murf Gray. Just a month into his pro career, the 22-year-old is already forcing the issue at Single-A Bradenton, earning Florida State League Player of the Week honors after a dominant stretch against Lakeland.

Gray slashed .455/.518/.846 over the series, piling up 10 hits, two homers and eight RBIs while consistently impacting games. That performance is no outlier. Through 26 games, he’s hitting .375 with a 1.071 OPS, showing a blend of power and bat-to-ball skills that’s quickly separating him from the pack.

The 2025 Competitive Balance Round B pick out of Fresno State has translated his college success seamlessly, driving the ball with authority and producing extra-base hits at a high clip. The walk rate remains something to watch, but if the production holds, a move to High-A Greensboro feels less like a possibility and more like the obvious next step.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow