Hunter Barco
The Pirates took Hunter Barco in the second round of the 2022 draft. The lefty out of the University of Florida had a strong final season in college that was hindered by Tommy John surgery. The Pirates signed Barco to a $1,525,000 million signing bonus, which came in under slot value.
Barco would eventually return to action in the second half of 2023, pitching in a reduced role, and going at least four innings in just one of his nine appearances. For what it was worth, it was a promising small sample size of 18.1 innings where he had a 3.44 ERA, 1.79 FIP, and 1.25 WHIP, didn't allow a home run, and struck out over a third of his opponents (35.9%) with a strong 7.7% walk rate.
After revving up in 2023, Barco returned to a more steady role this season and produced some strong results. He had a 3.27 ERA, 3.29 FIP, and 1.06 WHIP through 66 innings of work. The southpaw walked 8.3% of opponents with an 0.68 HR/9, but struck out just over 30% of batters with a 31.8% K%. Barco allowed fly balls at a rate under 30% (29.8%) while inducing grounders at a 46.4% rate. Barco was shut down in August and September, but the numbers he did post were very promising.
Barco flashed better velocity in 2024, sitting 92-94 MPH with his sinker. His four-seamer had similar velocity with more horizontal movement. His low-80s slider looked like an above average pitch, and his splitter looked like a fourth offering with average-to-above-average potential. With good command and a deceptive motion on the mound, Barco’s first extended look went very well.