Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 7: Hunter Barco Shines Before Injury

This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.

After the start to his professional career was delayed due to Tommy John surgery, Hunter Barco had a solid first showing in the organization in 2023.

The Pirates selected Barco in the second round of the 2022 draft out of the University of Florida, but he didn’t make his debut until the following season.

During his first year in the Pirates’ organization, Barco thrived during a brief stint in the Florida Complex League and made six starts with the Bradenton Marauders to end the season.

The 23-year-old began this past season with High-A Greensboro and and went 5-1 with an impressive 3.34 ERA across 16 appearances/14 starts. In 62 innings with the Grasshoppers, Barco yielded only 46 hits, walked 22 and struck out 77.

Barco’s success in the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League resulted in a promotion to Double-A Altoona, where he made just two starts before missing the rest of the year with a left leg injury. While injuries are always a concern, the good news is that Barco’s what not to his pitching arm.

Even though he’s been sidetracked some by injuries in his career, the left-hander is one of the Pirates’ most promising pitching prospects.

He projects as a starting pitcher thanks to a three-pitch mix, which is headlined by a devastating slider. He also features a fastball with some sink and a changeup.

With Anthony Solometo’s struggles this past season, Barco might be the top left-handed pitcher in the Pirates’ organization. Still looking for his first full-season in the minor leagues, there is likely even more upside.