Pirates Prospect update: Seth Hernandez named top MLB Prospect in FSL

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 20, 2026: Seth Hernandez #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park on March 20, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Seth Hernandez found himself atop another prospect list as he was named the Florida State League’s top prospect for his body of work as a member of the Bradenton Marauders.

class="wp-block-paragraph">In six starts with Bradenton, Hernandez was nearly unstoppable. He amassed a 3-0 record and an ultra low 0.96 ERA. During his time in Bradenton the first-year pro only gave up three earned runs and had 50 strikeouts as a Marauder. He also had a 0.71 WHIP and held opposing hitters to an abysmal .135 batting average.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Hernandez was drafted sixth overall by the Pirates in 2025 and in his first professional season there were few Minor League pitchers as dynamic as he was. At just 20-years old the Corona High School product finished the season 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 118 strikeouts through 74.0 frames.

That's OUR Seth Hernandez ‼️ pic.twitter.com/BTCxAriRQ8

— Young Bucs (@YoungBucsPIT) September 16, 2026Over the course of his season, Hernandez’ performance caught the eyes of national attention as he started the year out as the number 26 prospect in baseball and will finish the season as the number seven prospect. While also being the Pirates’ top prospect, Hernandez also took home FSL Pitcher of the Week honor for his April 24 performance against Clearwater. Against the Threshers Hernandez finished the game with a career high nine strikeouts and allowed just one hit and two walks across five scoreless innings. That strong performance helped him earn Pitcher of the Month honors for the month of April as he went 2-0 with, had 17 strikeouts and had a 0.53 ERA through 17 innings.

class="wp-block-paragraph">Hernandez is projected to make his MLB debut by 2028.

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