Pirates Prospect Update: Seth Hernandez promoted to High-A

TL;DR

Seth Hernandez, the Pittsburgh Pirates' top pitching prospect, has been promoted to High-A Greensboro after an impressive start in Bradenton, posting a 0.96 ERA and 50 strikeouts in six games.

Key points

Seth Hernandez promoted to High-A Greensboro
0.96 ERA and 50 strikeouts in six starts
Led Florida State League in multiple pitching categories
Could advance to Double-A Altoona by trade deadline
Pittsburgh Pirates have a strong history of drafting pitching talent

Pittsburgh PiratesBradenton MaraudersGreensboro GrasshoppersFlorida State League

BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 20, 2026: Seth Hernandez #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates prepares to 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 pitching prospect, Seth Hernandez, has been promoted to High-A Greensboro after just six starts. Hernandez has been on fire to start his professional career. In his six starts with the Bradenton Marauders, the 19-year-old righty had an incredible 0.96 ERA across 28 innings pitched. In his appearances he generated 50 strikeouts to just seven walks and compiled a 3-0 record. Hernandez allowed just three earned runs in his six starts and had a 52.1% whiff rate against opposing batters. Hernandez led the Florida State League in ERA, WHIP, BAA, strikeouts, K/9, and K/BB before being promoted to High-A Greensboro. The promotion to High-A is by no means a surprise to anyone who has seen Hernandez play. Just a year after being drafted sixth overall by the Pirates as the top high school pitching prospect in the class and now Hernandez is looking like one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. With Bradenton, Hernandez for the most part looked unchallenged, which makes one wonder how long he’ll be with Greensboro. If he continues to pitch the way he has, it’s not unreasonable to think that Hernandez could be with Double-A Altoona by the trade deadline. Pittsburgh has scouted and drafted some of the best pitching talent in baseball over the last five years. Pitchers like Paul Skenes, , and several more have grown into some of the top starters in baseball and Hernandez could be yet another Pittsburgh pitcher to ascend to elite status. In Hernandez’ last start for Bradenton he threw six scoreless innings and only gave up three hits while striking out nine. The Greensboro Grasshoppers will be in a six game series on the road against Jersey Shore from May 12-17.

Q&A

What were Seth Hernandez's stats before his promotion to High-A?

Before his promotion, Seth Hernandez had a 0.96 ERA, 50 strikeouts, and a 3-0 record in six starts with the Bradenton Marauders.

How did Seth Hernandez perform in his last start for Bradenton?

In his last start for Bradenton, Seth Hernandez threw six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and striking out nine batters.

What is the significance of Seth Hernandez's promotion to High-A Greensboro?

Seth Hernandez's promotion to High-A Greensboro highlights his rapid development as a top pitching prospect and suggests he may soon advance to Double-A Altoona if he continues his strong performance.