Pirates Prospect Update: Seth Hernandez, Minor league All-Stars, Connor Wietgrefe

Seth Hernandez is wasting little time establishing himself as one of the most important pieces of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ future.

Pittsburgh’s top prospect was named the Florida State League’s Top MLB Prospect for 2026 after overwhelming hitters during his brief stint with Low-A Bradenton. Hernandez made only six starts for the Marauders before earning a promotion to High-A Greensboro on May 12, but his performance left little doubt that he was ready for a bigger challenge.

The 20-year-old right-hander posted a 0.96 ERA with 50 strikeouts across 28 innings, recording at least seven strikeouts in every appearance. He also delivered three consecutive nine-strikeout outings.

Hernandez was named FSL Pitcher of the Month for April after going 2-0 with a 0.53 ERA, 32 strikeouts and five walks in 17 innings. He also earned Pitcher of the Week honors following five scoreless, one-hit innings against Clearwater.

The Pirates selected Hernandez sixth overall in the 2025 MLB Draft, and his stock has only climbed since. After entering 2026 ranked No. 26 overall by MLB Pipeline, Hernandez now sits at No. 7.

Hernandez's season was cut short due to an oblique strain he suffered at the end of July. He still finished the season 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 74 innings, putting himself firmly on track to become another potential impact arm in Pittsburgh’s long-term rotation.

Trio of High-A Pirates prospects named South Atlantic League All-Stars

The Pirates’ High-A affiliate produced three more postseason honors, with Axiel Plaz, Jared Jones and Wyatt Sanford all being named South Atlantic League All-Stars for their performances with Greensboro.

Jones earned the nod at first base after an impressive first full professional season. Pittsburgh’s 2025 ninth-round pick hit .311/.411/.567 with 23 home runs, flashing the type of impact bat that has quickly made him an intriguing name in the system despite missing time with injuries.

Plaz was selected at catcher, continuing his development into one of the Pirates’ better offensive prospects. The 20-year-old showed significant power growth at Greensboro, including a two-homer game in August, and currently ranks among Pittsburgh’s top prospects.

Sanford, meanwhile, earned the All-Star spot at shortstop. Pittsburgh’s No. 5 prospect has continued to build on the athleticism and offensive upside that made him one of the system’s more promising young position players.

The three were part of a strong Greensboro club that reached the South Atlantic League championship series, giving Pittsburgh another encouraging sign that its next wave of position-player talent is beginning to take shape.

Connor Wietgrefe, Nick Cimillo earn International League weekly honors to close out 2026

Connor Wietgrefe and Nick Cimillo both finished 2026 on a high note for Triple-A Indianapolis, with the Pirates prospects sweeping the International League’s weekly awards for Sept. 14-20.

Wietgrefe was named Pitcher of the Week after tossing six scoreless, hitless innings against Gwinnett on Sept. 17 with seven strikeouts and two walks. The 24-year-old left-hander closed the season with a 0.51 ERA, 16 strikeouts and a 0.91 WHIP over his final three starts.

Just as importantly, Wietgrefe showed the durability Pittsburgh could value in 2027. He threw 151.1 innings this season, third most among all minor leaguers, and completed at least six innings in nine of his 15 starts with Indianapolis.

Cimillo, meanwhile, earned Player of the Week after hitting .381 with four doubles, two home runs, 13 RBI and a 1.301 OPS. The 26-year-old first baseman was especially hot in September, batting .333 with six homers and 23 RBI in 15 games.

Both finished the year by strengthening their cases for major league consideration, with Wietgrefe in particular looking increasingly close to providing Pittsburgh with rotation depth.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow