The Pittsburgh Pirates are making a bold move to close out their 2025 season. They’re calling up promising left-handed pitching prospect Hunter Barco to the majors on September 21.
Barco battled through injuries early in his career. He’s carved out a path from high school stardom to becoming one of the Pirates’ top-ranked prospects.
His journey—from surgery recovery and the minor league grind to Triple-A success—sets the stage for an intriguing MLB debut. He’ll get his shot in the team’s final six games.
Let’s take a look at how Barco fought his way here and what his arrival might mean for Pittsburgh’s future.
Hunter Barco’s Rise Through the Pirates’ Farm System
Barco’s story is all about persistence and talent lining up with opportunity. Pittsburgh drafted him in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, even though he’d just undergone Tommy John surgery.
The Pirates invested in the future, betting on the left-hander’s command and competitive edge to shine once he got healthy. That’s a risk, but sometimes you’ve got to take it.
From Rehab to Rookie-Level Success
Barco started his pro journey in 2023 with rehab appearances in the Florida Complex League. That year, he advanced to Single-A Bradenton, shaking off the rust from surgery and laying the groundwork for his quick rise.
By 2024, the Pirates sent him to High-A Greensboro. There, he started to show flashes of dominance.
He posted a 3.34 ERA with 77 strikeouts in just 62 innings. Then a leg injury cut his season short—frustrating, but not the end of the road.
2025: The Breakout Year
Finally healthy, Barco launched a remarkable 2025 campaign with Double-A Altoona. In one of the most impressive stretches by a minor league pitcher that year, he threw 25.2 consecutive scoreless innings.
That dominance earned him Eastern League Pitcher of the Month honors in April. It put him on the fast track for the next step in his career.
Triple-A Challenges and Growth
Pittsburgh promoted Barco to Triple-A Indianapolis in May. The competition got tougher, no surprise there.
Over 17 starts, he put up a solid 3.79 ERA and fanned 82 batters in 73.2 innings. A brief shoulder strain in June raised some eyebrows, but Barco bounced back quickly and kept adjusting under pressure.
Making Room for a Major League Opportunity
The Pirates need to clear space on both their 40-man roster and 28-man active roster to add Barco. His call-up gives Pittsburgh another left-handed pitching weapon alongside reliever Evan Sisk.
They’ll get a chance to see Barco in high-leverage spots against big-league hitters. It’s a real test, but also a big opportunity.
Prospect Rankings and Expectations
According to MLB Pipeline, Barco comes in as the No. 82 overall prospect in baseball. He’s the fourth-best prospect in the Pirates’ system and their top-ranked lefty.
Those accolades add some weight to his debut. Pirates fans have every reason to feel a little excited.
What Barco Brings to Pittsburgh
Barco’s game is built on command, pitch mix, and a ton of competitive fire. His left-handed delivery, paired with a deceptive fastball and a wipeout slider, gives him a chance to anchor the rotation.
His call-up comes at the end of the season, but it’s a glimpse of what he might bring in 2026 and beyond.
- Command-first repertoire that keeps hitters guessing
- Proven resilience coming back from injuries
- Track record of dominance at every minor league level
Looking Ahead
If Barco pitches well during his short 2025 stint, he might get a shot at a regular rotation spot next spring.
The Pirates really want to see some homegrown pitching work out. Barco’s arrival could finally signal that shift, with real talent developed in their own backyard.
Hunter Barco’s journey to Pittsburgh isn’t just about a prospect living up to the hype. It’s a pitcher grinding through setbacks, determined to grab his chance.
As the Pirates wrap up their season, everyone’s going to be watching the young lefty. Can he actually turn all that promise into real results under the big-league spotlight?
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect
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