Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 4: Hunter Barco Rides Success to Big League Debut, Could Have Big Role in ’26
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
Ever since he was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2022 draft from the University of Florida, Hunter Barco’s status has kept improving.
At the time he was drafted, Barco was recovering from Tommy John surgery. The injury pushed back his professional debut until the summer of 2023, when he totaled nine appearances between two levels.
Barco began his career in the Florida Complex League and allowed one run with nine strikeouts in 7.2 innings across three appearances.
The Pirates quickly promoted Barco to Low-A Bradenton. In six starts, Barco was tagged for six runs on 13 hits and struck out 19 batters in 10.2 innings.
Pittsburgh was aggressive with Barco’s development and sent him to High-A Greensboro to start the 2024 season. In an extremely hitter-friendly league, Barco went 4-1 with a 3.34 ERA in 16 appearances/14 starts. In 62 innings, he held opponents to 46 hits, walked 22 and struck out 77.
Barco was bumped up to Double-A Altoona, where he only made two starts before his season was cut short due to a left leg injury.
The 24-year-old got off to a historic start back with the Curve this season. He made six starts with Altoona to begin the season and didn’t allow a run across 25.2 innings while holding opponents to a .131 batting average and recording 34 strikeouts.
After a solid showing with Triple-A Indianapolis for most of the season, Barco earned a promotion to the big leagues during the Pirates’ final road trip of the 2025 season.
Barco made his Major-League debut against the Reds in Cincinnati on Sep. 23 and earned the win after tossing a scoreless inning of relief in the Pirates’ 4-2 win. Five days later, he tossed a pair of scoreless innings and struck out three against the Atlanta Braves.
Though his first stint in the big leagues was as a relief pitcher, Barco has every chance to pitch out of the Pirates’ rotation in 2026. He’s been used as a starting pitcher during his minor-league career, has been effective and has a solid mix of pitches.
The Pirates are rich in starting pitching depth but Barco presents the only left-handed rotation option currently on the 40-man roster. If the Pirates end up dealing veteran Mitch Keller or any of the younger arms on the roster, Barco could break camp as one of five starting pitchers. At the very least, he’ll find himself in competition for a spot in spring training.
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