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.