Unranked Pirates prospect's insane streak might've just won him a job in 2026 bullpen

They say all good things must come to an end, and unfortunately, that includes Brandan Bidois' otherworldly no-hit streak.

The 24-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect didn't allow a hit from July 29 until September 14, tossing 18 hitless innings across 11 relief appearances during that span. But the streak ended Sunday after 64 batters when Bidois gave up a base hit to Iowa's Caleb Knight (though a double play and a strikeout would guarantee him his 12th consecutive scoreless appearance).

In the modern era, only one MLB pitcher has logged a longer hitless innings streak: Dennis Eckersley, with 21 in 1977. Five others have had runs of 16 innings. The MLB record of 24 was set by Cy Young back in 1904.

Bidois' streak may have happened in the minor leagues, split between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, but the feat is still impressive – and it may have earned him a longer look as an option for the Pirates' bullpen next season.

Unranked Pirates prospect Brandan Bidois turns heads with unreal pitching performance

In 2025, across four levels of the Pirates' minor league system, Bidois has pitched to a 0.79 ERA over 59 2/3 innings. He has experience working in multi-level relief roles: holds, saves, appearances in high leverage in Triple-A.

Bidois is Rule 5 eligible this offseason, meaning another team could try to select him. That gives extra incentive for Pittsburgh to consider adding him to the 40-man and begin acclimating him to MLB usage.

Because he throws well in short relief stints, Bidois could be useful in middle relief or bridge roles initially. That gives the Pirates flexibility to bring him along rather than expecting him immediately to close or absorb high-leverage late innings.

Bidois has really made a strong case this year to be considered for a bullpen role with the Pirates in 2026. He still has some things to prove, of course, but the upside and recent performance make it hard to ignore.

If he can clean up his command, maintain a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio and show he holds up in tougher matchups, Bidois could be a real asset to the Pirates in 2026. And if they don't protect him in the Rule 5 Draft, he could end up being a real asset to one of their competitors.