Pirates Select Seth Hernandez In First Round Of MLB Draft

The pick is in.

The Pittsburgh Pirates used the sixth overall pick in Sunday’s MLB Draft to select Seth Hernandez. Hernandez is a right-handed pitcher out of Corona High School in California. He has a starter’s frame at six-foot-four, but has room to fill out at 195 pounds.

At just 19 years old, his fastball has reached 100 mph at times. He also throws a changeup that scouts believe is one of the best in the draft class, and a curveball that’s graded as above average. For a high school pitcher, his mechanics are very polished, smooth, and consistent. Scouts have compared him to long-time MLB starter Josh Beckett.

Hernandez was named the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year for high school baseball due to his dominant performance. He struck out 105 hitters in 53 1/3 innings. His excellent command allowed him to walk just seven hitters. These factors combined for a 0.39 ERA.

In addition to his pitching, he was also an excellent hitter in high school. It’s more than likely he’s developed solely as a pitcher, but he hit in the middle of the order for Corona, a team loaded with talent.

Baseball America ranked Hernandez as the number two prospect on their big board. He is committed to play at Vanderbilt University, but the Pirates’ willingness to use such a high pick on Hernandez indicates they believe they’ll be able to sign him.

The Pirates’ next pick is in the second round, number 50 overall.

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