Pirates prospect watch: Hunter Barco continues strong season at Triple-A

Justin Guerriero TribLive Sat, Aug 16, 2025 • 10:32 AM

Pirates prospect Hunter Barco pitches against Tampa Bay during spring training on Feb. 28, 2025, at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla.

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. To be sure, Chandler’s first MLB start seems a matter of when as opposed to if, but the Pirates have another starting pitcher with the Indianapolis Indians who might not be too far behind: Hunter Barco. … Barco, a 24-year-old lefty, was promoted to Triple-A from the Altoona Curve in early May. This season with the Indians, he has made 15 starts, going 2-1 with a 3.70 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 33 walks in 58 1/3 innings. Five of his outings at Indianapolis have been scoreless affairs, and opposing International League 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 the course of his young career, including Tommy John surgery in 2022. He ranks as the Pirates’ No. 4 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline.