Seth Hernandez Listed as Top Pitching Prospect In Baseball
Less than a year after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates sixth overall, Seth Hernandez has rapidly arose up the prospects list.
Following Konnor Griffin’s graduation from prospect status on Wednesday, Hernandez is now atop the Pirates’ system. MLB Pipeline also updated their Top 100, with Hernandez leaping from 29 up to 3. The Top 2 are shortstop Jesús Made of the Brewers and shortstop Leo De Vries of the Athletics. This of course means Hernandez is now the top pitching prospect in all of minor league baseball.
The 19-year-old Hernandez made his pro debut this season with the Bradenton Marauders. Opposing batters in the Florida State League were completely gobsmacked by Hernandez, as he registered an ERA of 0.96, along with a 0.71 WHIP, and striking out 50 in 28 innings, for a ridiculous, 16.1 K/9.
Hernandez’s arsenal has been the talk of the 2026 MiLB season; possessing an upper-90’s four-seam fastball, a terrific cutter, an outstanding curveball, a sharp slider, and his bread & butter offering - a plus changeup. Combined with all five pitches, Hernandez has induced a 52.1% whiff rate.
On Monday, it was announced that the Pirates were promoting Hernandez to the High A level with the Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Five Best Pirates Prospect Performers for April
As the calendar turns to May, here are the five best Pittsburgh Pirates prospect performers for the month of April.Axiel Plaz: A year ago at this time, Axiel Plaz was a sleeper prospect in the Pirates’ system.
Signed by the organization in 2022, Plaz is beginning to emerge as a top-tier catching prospect. In 84 plate appearances with High A Greensboro, he’s hitting .360, third highest average in the South Atlantic League, while putting up an OPS of .971.
Lonnie White Jr: Drafted as a competitive balance pick in 2021, Lonnie White Jr. chose to sign with the Pirates rather than accept a scholarship to play football at Penn State.
White is off to a scorching start to the season, as he hit .298 and posted the sixth best OPS at 1.008 in the SAL with Greensboro. On Thursday, it was reported that White received a promotion to AA Altoona.
Murf Gray: Although Seth Hernandez got all the praise from the 2025 Pirates draft, and deservedly so, Pittsburgh made an intriguing selection with Murf Gray - a competitive balance pick out of Fresno State.
Gray was assigned to Low A Bradenton to begin his pro career. The Pirates 18th ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, has hit the ground running, as a member of the Marauders. Gray’s .353 average is tied atop the Florida State League, while his .987 OPS is currently third highest.
Seth Hernandez: The Pirates garnered a plethora of rave reviews, when they selected Seth Hernandez, with the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft.
Hernandez, who is now the top pitching arm in the Pirates’ organization, absolutely shoved in four April starts for the Bradenton Marauders, as he posted a dazzling, 0.53 ERA, along with a league leading 0.53 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts, which are tied for most.
FSL batters have had no answer for Hernandez’s arsenal that includes an upper-90’s fastball and sinker, an outstanding curveball, a good slider, and his best secondary offering - a plus changeup.
Wyatt Sanford: In the 2024 draft, the Pirates took Wyatt Sanford as a second round choice out of Independence High School, located in Frisco, Texas.
Sanford entered professional ball with a baseball pedigree, as his father, Chance Sanford, played briefly with the Pirates as a rookie in 1998.
The 20-year-old middle infielder is enjoying a terrific start to his 2026 season, with a slash line of .277/.400/.518 in 100 plate appearances for Greensboro. Sanford is beginning to tap into some more power, as he hit five home runs in April. The plus speed has also been on display; stealing nine bases in ten attempts.
Honorable mentions
Esmerlyn Valdez (Indianapolis): .255/.403/.439, 4 HR, 14 RBI
Easton Carmichael (Greensboro): .313/.368/.475, 3 HR, 14 RBI
Mitch Jebb Promoted to Indianapolis
Utility man Mitch Jebb is being promoted from the Altoona Curve to the Indianapolis Indians, this according to Jim Rosati of North Shore Nine.
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Jebb as a second round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Michigan State.
Since joining the Pirates’ organization, Jebb is one of the fastest prospects in the system, with 70 grade speed.
Over the last two seasons, the speed has been on full display for Jebb. He’s stolen 76 bases in 89 tries, for a solid, 85.4% success rate.
Jebb has played in 14 games with Altoona to begin this season, posting a .339 OBP, while stealing four bases in five attempts.
The promotion of Jebb will try to help spark an Indianapolis Indians lineup that has really struggled offensively in April.
Pirates Call Up Wilber Dotel
p/c: Matt Freed - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up one of their top-tier pitching prospects, as Wilber Dotel is joining the big club. Right-hander Cam Sanders has been optioned back to AAA Indianapolis.
Dotel was signed by the Pirates in 2020 out of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.
Pitching for AA Altoona last season, Dotel posted a 4.15 ERA, while striking out 131 batters in 125.2 innings.
This past offseason, the Pirates added Dotel to the 40-man roster.
Currently the 12th ranked Pirates prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, Dotel began the season with Indianapolis, where he had a 6.28 ERA in three starts.
The Pirates desperately need help in the bullpen, in regards to multiple inning arms. Perhaps Dotel can give them a boost.
Seth Hernandez Shines In Pro Debut for Bradenton
With a rain out on Thursday night, Seth Hernandez’s professional debut had to wait until Friday, but was certainly worth it.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ sixth overall selection in the 2025 MLB Draft debuted for the Bradenton Marauders against the Dunedin Blue Jays - Toronto’s Low A ball affiliate.
After giving up a leadoff triple, on the very first professional pitch he threw in the bottom of the first, Hernandez allowed the run, but struck out three batters.
The final line for Hernandez was three innings of work, one earned run, no walks, and eight strikeouts.
Hernandez’s dominant stuff was on full display Friday evening, with a sinker at 97-99 mph, a four-seam fastball at 94-97, an 89-91 cutter, in which he got four of his eight Ks with, a plus curveball at 79-81, and a changeup at 84-86 mph. 30 of Hernandez’s 39 pitches were for strikes, including 18 swings and misses, for an excellent, whiff rate of 46.2%.
With the graduation of Bubba Chandler, Hernandez now finds himself as the top pitching arm in the Pirates’ organization.
Wilber Dotel to Start Grapefruit League Opener for Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates open up the Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota, Florida. Wilber Dotel will get the opportunity to start, and will likely pitch the first two innings.
Since signing with the Pirates in 2020, Dotel has seen a significant increase with his fastball velocity; going from low-90’s to upper-90’s. The slider is a plus offering, while he also incorporated a new splitter into his repertoire last year.
Dotel spent the 2025 season pitching for the Altoona Curve, where he posted a 4.15 ERA, along with a 3.89 FIP, and a 3.63 xFIP. In 125.2 innings, he fanned 131 batters, for a 9.4 K/9.
This offseason, the Pirates protected Dotel from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster.
Entering 2026, Dotel is ranked the ninth best Pirates prospect, according to Baseball America. There’s a good chance the 23-year-old righty begins the season at AAA Indianapolis.
Jhostynxon Garcia Looks to Provide Quality Bat to Pirates Outfield Depth
p/c: Christopher Horner
With his job on the line, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington knew he had to substantially improve an offense that was arguably MLB’s worst in 2025.
The first significant move came on December 4th, when the Pirates traded right-hander Johan Oviedo to the Boston Red Sox, as part of a five-player deal that was headlined by outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia.
The trade was simply a case of dealing from surplus, with the Red Sox having a loaded outfield, and the Pirates’ plethora of starting pitching.
At the time of the trade, Garcia was MLB Pipeline’s 85th ranked prospect, and the sixth best prospect in the Red Sox organization.
Nicknamed “The Password”, due to the difficulty spelling of his first name, Garcia combined to slash .267/.340/.470, while hitting 21 home runs between AA Portland and AAA Worcester last season. He represented Boston in the MLB Futures Game, and received a cup of coffee with the Red Sox; appearing in five games.
Garcia possess raw power at the plate, along with impressive, exit velocity numbers. Because of his aggressive approach, the strikeout figure increased for Garcia; going from 21.0% in Portland up to 29.1% in Worcester.
Defensively, Garcia has played mostly center field, where his range is considered average. He does have a plus arm, however, which could make him a right fielder long-term.
Since trading for Garcia, the Pirates have a more crowded outfield. They acquired switch-hitter Jake Mangum from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Brandon Lowe deal. Ryan O’Hearn, who was projected to be the team’s primary designated hitter, will see time in a corner outfield - now with the addition of Marcell Ozuna.
Barring injury, Garcia should begin the year with the Indianapolis Indians. It’s a good problem to have, as Garcia is only going to be 23 for all of 2026. This will allow the Pirates to be patient with Garcia, to where he can continue to develop with the bat, and more importantly, cut down on the strikeouts, before he’s ultimately ready to contribute at the big league level.
Pirates Sign Wilton Guerrero Jr. to IFA Deal
MLB’s international free agency period began on Thursday. The Pittsburgh Pirates made a splash by signing shortstop Wilton Guerrero Jr. to a reported bonus of $1.95 million.
Guerrero Jr. obviously has strong, baseball bloodlines, as he’s the son of former big leaguer Wilton Guerrero Sr, the nephew of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr, and the cousin of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
MLB Pipeline had Guerrero ranked as the 17th best international free agent prospect for 2026.
Guerrero is considered one of the fastest players in the ‘26 IFA class with Grade 70 speed. He also makes solid contract at the plate with good bat speed, and most scouts believe that he should increase his power once he starts to fill out his body. On the defensive side, Guerrero displays steady range at shortstop, along with soft hands. The one knock is Guerrero’s arm strength, which is considered average.
The Pirates will most likely assign Guerrero to the Dominican Summer League this year.
2026 Pirates Breakout Watch Prospect: Tony Blanco Jr.
In 2024, I chose Bubba Chandler as my Pittsburgh Pirates breakout prospect, and he has now emerged as the top pitching prospect in the system. Last year, my pick was Khristian Curtis, who struggled in the first half, but finished the season on a high note, with a strong final three months. Heading into this year, I’ve decided to go the position player route, on a player who received some buzz towards the end of 2025, and that’s Tony Blanco Jr.
During the 2022 international free agency period, the Pirates signed Blanco to a signing bonus of $900,000.
Blanco is the son of Tony Blanco Sr - a former top prospect in the early-2000’s that played for the Washington Nationals expansion team in 2005, and had success playing over in Japan.
After spending his first two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, Blanco had a productive rookie ball stint stateside in the Florida Complex in 2024; slashing .305/.385/.505 in 109 plate appearances.
The beginning of 2025 was rough for Blanco, as he not only started the season on the 60-day injured list, because of a hamstring issue, but also with the sudden passing of his father, who lost his life during a roof collapse accident in the Dominican Republic, which involved long time MLB reliever Octavio Dotel, as well as Nelsy Cruz - the sister of former big leaguer Nelson Cruz.
Blanco was activated off the IL in mid-July and assigned to the Bradenton Marauders.
In 28 games with Bradenton, the 20-year-old Blanco put up a slash of .264/.368/.491, along with seven home runs.
To make up for lost playing time, the Pirates sent Blanco to the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Salt River Rafters. He held his own in 13 games; posting an .809 OPS. Blanco participated in the AFL Home Run Derby and came out victorious.
At 6’7, 243 pounds, Blanco has prodigious raw power and displays excellent exit velocity figures. If he can manage the strikeouts to a respectable level in the future, and can tap into his full power potential, it’s the profile of 30-35 homers that can possibly flirt with 40. Defensively, he can play both a corner outfield and first base, with the latter being his most likely position long-term.
Blanco has showed off his impressive power in spurts, but will need to do it over the course of a full minor league season; similar to what Esmerlyn Valdez did last year.
Esmerlyn Valdez Selected to Fall Stars Game
Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Esmerlyn Valdez has been named to the National League roster for the 2025 Fall Stars Game in the Arizona Fall League.
It’s been a whirlwind year for Valdez, who had a breakout season in the minors; slashing .286/.376/.520, along with 26 home runs for High A Greensboro and AA Altoona.
Since playing in the AFL, Valdez is putting up incredible numbers offensively, and has arguably been the best player in the league. In 17 games, he’s hitting .392, which is fifth highest, while leading the league in homers (8), RBI (26), slugging (.922), and total bases (47).
Valdez represented the Pirates in this year’s MLB Futures Game during All-Star Weekend, so this will be his second minor league All-Star nod.
The Fall Stars Game is this Sunday at 8:00 ET on MLB Network.
Konnor Griffin Named Gold Glove Winner for Minor League Shortstops
p/c: Jamie Squire
While Tommy Pham and Jared Triolo lost out on Gold Glove awards Sunday night, there was someone in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ organization who did, and it’s top prospect Konnor Griffin, who won the award among minor league shortstops.
Griffin played his first season of professional ball in 2025, and it was one of the most impressive seasons by a Pirates minor leaguer in recent memory.
Playing across three levels this year, Griffin became the #1 prospect in all of MiLB by Baseball America and MLB Pipeline.
He committed only seven errors in 352 chances at shortstop combined with the Bradenton Marauders, Greensboro Grasshoppers, and Altoona Curve, while posting an excellent, .980 fielding percentage.
Griffin becomes the first Pirates minor league player to capture a Gold Glove since Jared Triolo in 2021.
Hunter Barco Receives Call Up to Pirates
Another day, another top Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect getting called up to the show. LHP Hunter Barco will have his contract selected by the Pirates, before Tuesday, when they begin a series with the Cincinnati Reds. Brent Martineau of Action Sports Jax was the first to report Barco’s call up.
Pittsburgh chose Barco as a second round pick out of The Bolles School in the 2022 MLB Draft. Despite Barco recovering from Tommy John surgery at the time, the Pirates banked on the 6’4, left-hander’s upside, and they’re certainly being rewarded for it.
Currently the Pirates fourth best prospect in the system, Barco began the 2025 season pitching at AA Altoona. He was simply lights out facing competition in the Eastern League, as he didn’t allow a single run in 25.2 innings. The streak set a new Altoona Curve record for most consecutive scoreless innings to begin a season.
Barco was promoted to AAA Indianapolis on May 6th. In 21 appearances, 17 of which were starts, he posted a 3.79 ERA. Although the strikeouts were there for Barco, with 82 in 73.2 innings pitched (10.0 K/9), the walks became an issue for him at the AAA level; issuing 42 free passes (5.1 BB/9).
The Pirates needed to add Barco to the 40-man roster at some point, since he’ll be Rule 5 eligible in the offseason.
With Barco joining other rookie call ups this year, such as Mike Burrows, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler, it’s the makings of a very intriguing competition within Pittsburgh’s starting rotation next spring.
Pirates Call Up Rafael Flores
p/c: Alden Stone
The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores. Meanwhile, infielder Liover Peguero has been optioned to AAA Indianapolis.
Flores was signed by the New York Yankees in July of 2022.
Last year was a breakout for Flores, as put together a .279/.379/.495 slash line, along with 21 home runs combined with High A Hudson Valley and AA Somerset.
Flores returned to Somerset for the beginning of the 2025 season, with a line of .287/.346/.496.
On July 19th, Flores received a promotion to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
During the trade deadline, the Pirates sent David Bednar to the Yankees. Pittsburgh acquired three prospects, with Flores being the main headliner of the deal.
The 24-year-old Flores made a solid, impression for the Indianapolis Indians; slashing .281/.363/.459, while hitting six homers in 36 games.
MLB Pipeline currently has Flores ranked as the Pirates eighth best prospect.
Pirates Promote Khristian Curtis to Altoona
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting pitcher Khristian Curtis to the Altoona Curve, this according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central.
Curtis was a 12th round draft choice of the Bucs in the 2023 MLB Draft out of Arizona State.
The 23-year-old right-hander had been assigned to the High A Greensboro Grasshoppers to begin 2025.
Curtis struggled immensely during the first half of the season, with a 5.51 ERA in 13 starts.
On July 4th, Curtis had his best start of the year; tossing six perfect innings, while striking out 10 batters. Since that outing, he’s posted an ERA of 2.71. Overall, Curtis has recorded 116 strikeouts in 108.2 innings (9.6 K/9).
Greensboro began their playoff series on Tuesday, with Curtis pitching six innings of two-run ball in a losing effort against Brooklyn Cyclones.
Altoona will begin their playoff series next Tuesday versus the Erie Seawolves. It’s likely that Curtis could make his Curve debut in Game 1.
Pirates to Call Up Bubba Chandler on Friday
The Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to select the contract of right-hander Bubba Chandler on Friday. Both MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf and Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette were first to report Chandler’s promotion. Hiles specifically mentioned that Chandler will be pitching out of the bullpen in bulk relief.
Chandler was drafted by the Pirates as a third rounder in 2021. The former two-sport athlete chose to sign with the Bucs, instead of honoring his commitment to play quarterback at Clemson.
Initially taken as a two-way player, Chandler made the transition to pitcher exclusively beginning in 2022.
The 2024 season was a breakout year for Chandler, as he put up a 3.08 ERA with the Altoona Curve and Indianapolis Indians. He combined to strike out 148 batters in 119.2 innings (11.1 K/9).
Chandler entered this season as the Pirates top prospect, and at one point, was ranked the second best prospect in baseball, behind only Roman Anthony of the Boston Red Sox.
After posting a 3.41 ERA in the first half, the second half has been a struggle for Chandler, with an ERA of 4.93 over his last nine starts. The lack of command, particularly with the fastball is an issue, walking 24 batters in 42 innings (5.1 BB/9).
It appears the Pirates want to ease Chandler into the big leagues, and give him starts eventually, much like they did with Braxton Ashcraft earlier this year.
Axiel Plaz Promoted to Greensboro
On the same day that Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin received a promotion to the Altoona Curve, catcher Axiel Plaz has been promoted to the Greensboro Grasshoppers. MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo first reported the Plaz promotion.
Plaz has played in the Pirates’ organization since 2022, this after signing with them out of San Felix, Venezuela.
2025 has been a good year offensively for Plaz, slashing .262/.348/.450, along with nine home runs in 233 plate appearances for the Bradenton Marauders. May in particular was a strong month for him, as he hit seven homers, while slugging .568.
In addition to catcher, Plaz also plays first base. Defensively, his work behind the plate is currently a work in progress, so what position he ultimately is at will depend on how he develops as a catcher.
MLB Pipeline recently updated their prospect rankings, and they have Plaz as the 29th ranked Pirates prospect.
Konnor Griffin Ranked Top Prospect In All of Baseball
With the graduation of Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony on Thursday, there’s a new #1 prospect in baseball, according to both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, and it’s Konnor Griffin of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
When the Bucs selected Griffin ninth overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, they were getting the best high school position player. A signing bonus just over $6.5 million was enough for the Jackson Prep standout to turn pro - rather than honoring his commitment to LSU.
Griffin debuted this year at the Low A level with the Bradenton Marauders. He received 231 plate appearances; slashing .338/.396/.536, while posting a 158 wRC+.
On June 10th, the Pirates rewarded Griffin with a promotion to High A Greensboro. He’s put up a .296/.408/.463 slash line, along with a wRC+ of 148 for the Grasshoppers.
During the month of June, Griffin reached base safely in every game he played, which resulted in a .500 OBP.
Griffin’s best asset is his plus speed, and it’s been on display in a big way, as he’s combined to steal 42 bases - the most by a Pirates minor league player in his first season of professional ball.
This year, Griffin was one of two prospects to represent Pittsburgh in the MLB Futures Game. The other being Esmerlyn Valdez, who is currently with the Altoona Curve.
Pirates’ fans collectively held their breath during the game, when Griffin took an inside fastball to the wrist. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t significant, and Griffin is back with Greensboro and playing.
For Griffin to go from high school draft pick a year ago, to now becoming the best prospect in all of minor league baseball, is truly remarkable.
Assessment of the Pirates Drafting Seth Hernandez
p/c: Tracy Proffitt
The Pittsburgh Pirates held the sixth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. With that selection, the Bucs chose RHP Seth Hernandez out of Corona High School in Corona, California.
Hernandez becomes just the fourth prep pitcher to be selected by the Pirates since 2010; joining Jameson Taillon (2010), Shane Baz (2017), and Quinn Priester (2019).
For the #6 pick, Pittsburgh will have a slot value of $7,558,600 to offer Hernandez, who currently has a commitment to Vanderbilt.
Hernandez put up insane numbers as a senior this year for Corona, as he posted a 0.39 ERA, while striking out 105 in 53.1 innings pitched. That production was more than good enough to receive Gatorade National Player of the Year honors.
There’s no doubt Hernandez entered the ‘25 draft as the best high school pitcher by every baseball prospect publication. It’s a projectable frame at 6’4, 190 pounds, with a fastball ranging from 95-98. During the Area Code Games, he was hitting 100 with it. Unlike a large majority of high schoolers that barely throw a changeup, Hernandez uses it frequently and it’s already a plus pitch. His other secondary offerings include a terrific, 12-6 curveball, and an above average slider.
Assessment of the pick: Objectively, the Pirates have done well at pitching development under the Ben Cherington regime, so they’ll be able to try and do that with Hernandez.
When the Bucs drafted Bubba Chandler in 2021, he was a two-sport athlete that had a commitment to play quarterback at Clemson. Because Hernandez has only played baseball, it might take him even quicker to develop, even though Chandler reached top prospect status.
Prep arms are always projects that come with high reward/high risk. However, a pitcher like Hernandez, who throws mid-to-upper-90’s on the fastball, along with three solid offerings, is simply too good to pass on. In my opinion, the selection of Hernandez is a thumbs up based on the upside, as well as an organization capable of developing pitching talent.
Five Draft Prospects for Pirates to Consider In Round 1
The 2025 MLB Draft is two weeks away, with Round 1 beginning Sunday, July 13th. Last offseason’s draft lottery has the Pittsburgh Pirates selecting sixth overall in this year’s draft. Here are five draft prospects that the Bucs could look to take; assuming their availability.
Aiva Arquette
p/c: Icon Sportswire
Aiva Arquette was originally taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks as an 18th round pick out of high school in 2022, but opted to attend the University of Washington instead.
After two seasons at Washington, Arquette transferred to Oregon State for the 2025 season. In 310 plate appearances with the Beavers, he put up a .354/.461/.654 slash, along with 19 homers.
Arquette is a big shortstop, as his 6’5, 220 pound profile would suggest. His power is developing, and with good bat speed, could hit 20-25 home runs at the position. While Arquette’s range at short is considered average, his soft hands and strong arm should be enough keep him there long-term.
Billy Carlson
p/c: Tracy Proffitt
One of the best prep players projected in the ‘25 draft is Corona High School standout Billy Carlson.
At 6’1, 185, Carlson’s showing in MLB’s High School All-American Game and the Area Code Games has raised his stock significantly into being a Top 10 draft prospect.
Carlson displays quick, bat speed, with a steady, line-drive approach. There could be more power potential once he matures and he’s able to make more consistent contact. On defense, there’s no doubt that Carlson should stick at shortstop, as scouts have raved about his plus arm and range, which some have given a 70 grade.
Whoever drafts Carlson will need to sway him away from his commitment to the University of Tennessee.
Jamie Arnold
p/c: Isiah Vazquez
Even before 2025, one draft prospect that had emerged as arguably the best pitcher was Florida State left-hander Jamie Arnold.
Much like 2024, Arnold dominated again this year with the Seminoles, posting the same identical ERA of 2.98. Combined with his sophomore and junior seasons, he struck out 278 batters in 190.1 innings, for a 13.2 K/9.
When Arnold first arrived to Florida State, his fastball only sat low-90’s. Since then, it’s been regularly sitting in the mid-90’s; topping out 97 at times. The slider is Arnold’s bread & butter offering, which he induces tons of whiffs with, and is rated the best slider in the ‘25 draft class. He also has a changeup that isn’t used much, but could be a good third pitch, if he starts to throw it more as a pro. Aside from the terrific, stuff, Arnold has been able to fool batters, with a deceptive, delivery that closely resembles Chris Sale.
Liam Doyle
p/c: Tennessee Athletics
Jamie Arnold isn’t the only college southpaw projected to go Top 10 in this year’s draft, as University of Tennessee’s Liam Doyle has made a strong case for himself.
Tennessee was the third school Doyle pitched for, this after attending Coastal Carolina as a freshman and Ole Miss as a sophomore.
Doyle’s junior year for the Vols this year was outstanding; pitching to an ERA of 3.20, a 0.99 WHIP, and a baffling, 15.4 K/9 (164 strikeouts in 95.2 innings). Not surprisingly, he was named the 2025 SEC Pitcher of the Year.
The 6’2, 220 pound Doyle possesses a powerful, fastball that go upper-90’s and reach 100 on occasion. His four-seamer has been deemed the best entering the draft, because of the velocity and its high release point. As a matter of fact, 64% of his strikeouts came with the fastball. Doyle went from a changeup to a splitter and has seen better results with it. The slider and cutter are decent offerings, but have caught too much plate for Doyle’s liking.
Some scouts question whether Doyle will be a starting pitcher long-term due to his unorthodox delivery, as well as throwing with maximum effort. That said, whichever team drafts Doyle should give him every chance to be a starter.
Seth Hernandez
p/c: Tracy Proffitt
When it comes to prep talent, Corona High School will be well represented in the ‘25 draft. Along with shortstop Billy Carlson, who was mentioned earlier in this post, comes his equally talented teammate, Seth Hernandez.
Notable accolades, such as the Gatorade National Player of the Year, has put Hernandez on the map as a top-tier, draft prospect.
At 6’4, 190 pounds, it’s a projectable frame, for the 19-year-old righty. During the Area Code Games, he dialed up triple-digits on the fastball, although it generally sits 95 and top out at 98. Unlike most high schoolers that seldom throw a changeup, Hernandez not only uses it frequently, but it’s already a plus pitch. He has a curveball with 12-6 action and excellent spin, and a slider, which has the makings of an above average offering.
Hernandez could be one of the most difficult players to sign, given his strong commitment to Vanderbilt.
Esmerlyn Valdez Promoted to Altoona
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez to the AA Altoona Curve, this according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central.
Valdez joined the Pirates’ organization, after signing with them in January of 2021 out of San Juan La Maguana in the Dominican Republic.
In 2024, Valdez put in his first full season of professional ball with the Low A Bradenton Marauders. He hit 22 home runs, while slashing .226/.352/.464, in 107 games.
Valdez began 2025 at the High A level for the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The 21-year-old has broken out in a big way this year, as he’s slashed .303/.385/.592. Valdez led the South Atlantic League in average (.303), slugging (.592), OPS (.977), total bases (164), and home runs (20). The 20 long balls are currently the most among Pirates minor league players this season.
It was announced on Monday that Valdez, along with 2024 first round selection and #2 Pirates prospect, Konnor Griffin, will represent Pittsburgh in this year’s MLB Futures Game, which is apart of All-Star Weekend at Truist Park in Atlanta.