Pittsburgh Pirates Pitching Prospects who need to take Steps Foward in 2024

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In the wake of recent challenges, the Pittsburgh Pirates are finding hope on the horizon. Pitching prospects, including Thomas Harrington, Hunter Barco, and Po-Yu Chen, are expected to be big parts of the Organization going forward. All three had minor league action in 2023, with Harrington and Chen spending significant time at High-A. Barco, who was recovering from his 2022 Spring Tommy John surgery was kept in the lower levels for the year in very limited action. He pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates Florida Complex League team as well as Low-A Bradenton.

All three were highly touted when first joining the Organization. Chen was a big-time International signing back in 2020, receiving a seven-figure bonus. Both Harrington and Barco were selected inside the top 50 of the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft. Harrington went at #36 overall and Barco was selected with the 44th overall pick in 2022.

The three arms mentioned all should be a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates future. Harrington is closest to making an impact in the Majors at this point. While he and Chen were at High-A and should both be at Double-A in 2024, Harrington is much more advanced at this point in their careers. Barco will likely start at High-A. So with that being said, all three of these players also need to perform in 2024 and solidify themselves as prospects who could make a difference for the Big League team eventually.

Thomas Harrington, born on July 12, 2001, is a baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was selected 36th overall in the 2022 MLB draft from Campbell University, where he had an impressive college career as a pitcher. Harrington is known for his four-pitch mix, including a fastball that can reach 96 mph. His promising talent and draft selection point to a bright future in the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 2023, the impressive right-handed pitcher showcased his upside while transitioning between Low-A and High-A in the minor leagues. Harrington's statistics reveal his determination and growth: he held a competitive 7-6 win-loss record and maintained a solid 3.53 ERA with a 3.96 FIP. Over 26 starts and 26 games, he logged 127.1 innings, striking out 146 batters and showcasing a 3.56 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Harrington's impressive control allowed for just 41 walks. His transition from Low-A to High-A highlighted his adaptability, solidifying his status as a rising star in the Pittsburgh Pirates' system. Harrington's 2023 journey is a testament to his potential in the major leagues.

While Harrington posted strong numbers to start his career, it would be nice to see his earned run average drop some in 2024. He has the upside to be a good starting pitcher at the Big League level and of course the Pittsburgh Pirates need him to be that.

Hunter Barco, born on December 15, 2000, is an American professional baseball pitcher currently affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He had a notable amateur career and excelled in high school, making him a top prospect for the 2019 MLB draft. Barco later joined the University of Florida for his college baseball journey. In 2022, he was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 44th overall pick in the MLB draft, embarking on his professional career.

In 2023, 22-year-old left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco embarked on a long journey back from Tommy John Surgery and pitched at two levels in the minor leagues, displaying immense promise with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He began at the Florida Complex League, eventually moving up to Low-A Bradenton after just three FCL games. Barco's stats tell the story: a 0-2 win-loss record with an impressive 3.44 ERA and a 3.93 FIP. Over 8 starts and 9 games pitched, he struck out 28 with a 4.67 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Barco's adaptability shone as he lowered his ERA from 7.71 in July to 2.76 by August and September. These numbers underscore his talent and growth, setting the stage for a bright future with the Pirates.

The Pittsburgh Pirates used a big chunk of their International funds by investing $1.25 million to sign promising right-handed pitching prospect Po-Yu Chen out of Taiwan. This was back in fall of 2020 and was one of Ben Cherington's first significant International signings. The sizable investment demonstrated the Pirates' strong belief in Chen's potential, viewing the young hurler as comparable to a second-round talent in the domestic MLB Draft.

Chen embarked on his journey in the Pirates farm system in 2021, debuting stateside in full-season A-ball. He spent the entirety of the following season honing his craft with Single-A Bradenton before making a pivotal promotion up to High-A Greensboro this past year. The move proved beneficial, as Chen overcame some early struggles in April to find his groove as a starter for much of the 2023 campaign at the new level.

Now standing at 6-foot-2, Chen has emerged as an intriguing arm in the Pirates pipeline. He boasts an intriguing four-pitch mix that profiles well for a future rotation spot. While his fastball generally sits in the low-90s, it has shown the capability to touch 95 mph, suggesting there could be more velocity coming as he matures. Additionally, Chen spins two above-average breaking pitches in his curveball and slider. The changeup may end up being his most formidable secondary offering, giving him a complete four-pitch starter's arsenal. The Pirates believe Chen has the potential to grow into a cornerstone piece in their rotation down the road.

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