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Barco's Pirate Future Uncertain After Mixed 2026 Season
10 Oct
Summary
- Hunter Barco made seven relief appearances with only a 7.64 ERA in MLB.
- He spent most of the 2026 season with Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a 3.83 ERA.
- Barco's MLB future with the Pirates appears uncertain, possibly as a trade chip.
Hunter Barco's path with the Pirates in 2026 saw limited Major League opportunities. Despite making his MLB debut the previous year, Barco only managed seven relief appearances in 2026, posting a 0-1 record with a 7.64 ERA over 17.2 innings. He allowed 21 hits, including four home runs, while walking 13 and striking out 14.
The majority of Barco's season was spent with Triple-A Indianapolis. He missed about a month due to elbow inflammation but appeared in 21 games, starting 14. With Indianapolis, the 25-year-old pitcher achieved a 4-8 record and a 3.83 ERA across 78.1 innings pitched. He recorded 80 strikeouts against 41 walks.
Originally drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2022 draft and ranked as MLB Pipeline's 96th-best prospect entering the season, Barco's future with the team looks uncertain. The Pirates opted for bullpen games over giving him more starts, despite a need for rotation help and a lack of left-handed starters. It is possible he could be used as trade bait this winter, or he may provide depth in 2027 if he remains with the organization.
