The Pittsburgh Pirates minor leagues have been very surprising this season. Similar to the major league team, the Pirates minor leagues have had much better pitching than hitting. Let's take a look at three starting pitchers, inside the Pirates minor leagues, that are off to great starts to the season.
Hunter Barco, Left Handed Pitcher
Hunter Barco was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He came into the organization after receiving Tommy John surgery but is now fully recovered. Barco is the 13th ranked prospect in the Pirates top 30, according to MLB Pipeline. He is currently pitching with the Pirates high-a affiliate, the Greensboro Grasshoppers, and is off to an incredible start.
This season, Barco has a 1.65 earned run average in 27.1 innings pitched and has struck out 34 batters. He also has a WHIP of 0.95 and an opponent batting average of .184. Barco adds a very impressive 2.14 FIP and a 31.2% strikeout percentage.
Barco could be nearing a promotion to Altoona and a higher ranking as a prospect. He is proving to be a top pitcher in the Pirates minor leagues.