Pirates Prospect Update: Seth Hernandez off to hot start

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 20, 2026: Seth Hernandez #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park on March 20, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates’ top pitching prospect, Seth Hernandez, is looking strong in his first season of professional baseball with the Bradenton Marauders Hernandez was drafted sixth overall by the Pirates in 2025 as the top high school pitching prospect in the class. He was named the California Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, The Los Angeles Times Player of the Year and the Enterprise Varsity Player of the Year.

He decided to forgo his commitment to Vanderbilt and signed with the Pirates for $7. 25 million. 2025 only saw Hernandez get time with the Florida Coast League Pirates, so this is his first year of pitching in the minor leagues.

With Low-A Bradenton the 19-year-old righty has made two starts so far this season, with both being very impressive. In his first career start against the Dunedin Blue Jays Hernandez largely dominated the opposing hitters. In just three innings pitched he accumulated eight strikeouts.

He would give up one earned run and allow three hits, but for his first professional start, it doesn’t get much better. Pirates 2025 first-round pick Seth Hernandez looks UNHITTABLE right now 😳 His first two starts at Single-A: 7 IP, 1 ER, 15 Ks 😮‍💨 pic. twitter.