Pirates prospect watch: Hunter Barco continues strong season at Triple-A
Prospect Watch
Hunter Barco
Position: LHP
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 235 pounds
Level: Triple-A
Notable: Ask any Pirates fan to name an up-and-coming prospect at Triple-A who’s getting ready for an anticipated MLB debut, and just about every answer would be Bubba Chandler. Although Chandler’s first MLB start seems a matter of when as opposed to if, the Pirates have another starting pitcher with Indianapolis who might not be too far behind: Barco. … The 24-year-old lefty, was promoted to Triple-A from the Altoona Curve in early May. With the Indians, he has made 15 starts, going 2-1 with a 3.70 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 33 walks in 581⁄3 innings. Five of his outings at Indianapolis have been scoreless affairs, and opposing batters are hitting .207 off him. … Barco had to overcome a shoulder ailment earlier in the year and has had his brush with injuries over his young career, including Tommy John surgery in 2022. He ranks as the Pirates’ No. 4 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates and college sports. A Pittsburgh native, he is a Central Catholic and University of Colorado graduate. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
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