Pirates Pitching Prospect Keeps Getting Better in 2026

Seth Hernandez's Time at Greensboro

The Pirates promoted Hernandez to Greensboro on May 12 after an incredible showing at Single-A Bradenton, where he posted a 0.96 ERA over six starts and struck out 50 batters over 28.0 innings.

Hernandez is now at a higher level than he was previously and he's had some issues at times, but he's definitely shown he can compete with Greensboro, even at just 19 years old.

He has a 2-1 record over seven starts, a 3.07 ERA over 29.1 innings pitched, 43 strikeouts to 18 walks, a .182 batting average allowed and a 1.23 WHIP.

This start vs. Winston-Salem was just the second scoreless start for Hernandez with Greensboro, of at least five innings.

Hernandez threw five scoreless innings, walking four batters and posting seven strikeouts in a 3-0 road win over Jersey Shore (Philadelphia Phillies) on May 15, his High-A debut.

His next four starts were less efficient, giving up 10 earned runs over 16.2 innings pitched for a 5.40 ERA.

This included his second start, which came at home vs. Winston-Salem on May 22, where he gave up three solo home runs and four walks with five strikeouts over 2.2 innings and 67 pitches.

Where Hernandez Can Improve with Greensboro

Perhaps the biggest disparity between Bradenton and Greensboro for Hernandez is that he's given up six home runs with Greensboro and only gave up two with Bradenton.

Hernandez does have the disadvantage of pitching at First National Bank Park in Greensboro, a hitter-friendly ball park, with both left field and right field foul poles at just 315 feet.

His home vs. away splits show this disparity with Greensboro, giving up five of his six home runs and seven of his 10 earned runs, for a 4.72 ERA and a 3.38 HR/9, compared to three earned runs on over 17.0 innings pitched for a 1.59 ERA on the road.

Cutting down on the home runs is crucial for Hernandez, and if he can do that at Greensboro, then it'll be even easier at Double-A Altoona in Peoples Natural Gas Park, much more friendly to pitchers.

Hernandez is still throwing his four-seam fastball, changeup, slider and curveball well in High-A and Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said on The Pirates Insider Show on 93.7 The Fan liked what he saw from Hernandez in his last start.

“...Came back and was really, really sharp in the most recent one," Cherington said. "He just attacked the strikezone. The stuff is there. Again, new level. No ABS, that’s popped up a bit at High-A, but was really impressed with him in his last one.”