Pirates Rumors: Another rising prospect promotion could help ruin Reds' playoff chase

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been eliminated from the playoff race, but they may still have a chance to play spoiler for one of their National League Central division rivals this week as one of their top prospects heads to The Show.

Per a report from Brent Martineau of Action Sports Jax in Jacksonville, Fla., the Pirates are calling up top left-handed pitching prospect (and Jacksonville native) Hunter Barco to make his Major League debut in Tuesday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The move, which has not been confirmed by the team, will require a corresponding roster move since the Pirates' active roster is currently full at 28.

UPDATE: Alex Stumpf has also reported the Barco promotion, per sources. The Pirates have yet to comment.

Barco, the No. 82 prospect in baseball and the Pirates' No. 4 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has made a strong case for an MLB call-up ever since he was promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis in May. After allowing zero earned runs through six starts (25 2/3 innings) at Double-A Altoona, the lefty has pitched to a 3.79 ERA through 21 appearances (17 starts) in 73 2/3 innings at Triple-A.

Barco hasn't pitched in a game for Indianapolis since Sept. 17, when he came out of the bullpen and allowed one run on one hit and three walks through two innings of relief against Gwinnett.

Pirates Rumors: Hunter Barco reportedly set to make MLB debut vs. Reds

The Pirates currently don't have a starting pitcher listed for Tuesday's series opener in Cincinnati, so it's presumed that Barco will get the nod. The Reds are currently tied for the final NL Wild Card spot with six games remaining in the regular season, so they will still be fighting for their postseason lives when they host the Pirates this week.

The Pirates' second-round pick out of the University of Florida in 2022, Barco has put together his best and most consistent season to date as a pro in 2025. In 99 1/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season, he has a 2.81 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP, and his ability to mix pitches and command the zone gives him a higher floor than many young call-ups.

Barco is healthy and has already logged a full workload in the minors, so a September call-up will give him exposure to MLB hitters, as well as an opportunity to adjust to the speed of the game and lay a strong foundation for 2026.