The Pittsburgh Pirates are still a work in progress at the Major League level, but their future looks bright down on the farm.
Baseball America released its updated farm system rankings on Wednesday to account for the MLB Trade Deadline, and the Pirates ranked No. 2 behind the Milwaukee Brewers (who also have the best record in baseball).
Pittsburgh has four prospects in BA’s top 100, including three in the top 30. Konnor Griffin ranks No. 1, Bubba Chandler ranks No. 15 and Seth Hernandez ranks No. 27.
Edward Florentino is a new addition to the top 100, checking in at No. 98. The 18-year-old outfielder has impressed at Rookie ball and Class A this year, batting .286/.402/.544 with 14 home runs, 52 RBI and 31 steals in 72 games.
The ninth overall draft pick last year, Griffin is regarded as the best prospect in baseball. The 19-year-old shortstop has dominated both Single-A and High-A ball this season, slashing .329/.410/.526 with 16 homers, 68 RBI and a whopping 56 steals in 97 games.
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Chandler, the organization’s top pitching prospect, looks ready for The Show and could make his MLB debut before the season ends. The 22-year-old righty has had a strong season at Triple-A, going 5-5 with a 3.82 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings.
Hernandez was just taken sixth overall in the 2025 MLB Draft and has yet to pitch in the Minor Leagues. However, the 19-year-old righty is already Pittsburgh’s second-best pitching prospect after Chandler.
The Pirates already have plenty of pitching at the Major League level, so it’s encouraging that they have some promising hitters in the pipeline as well. If their prospects pan out as hoped, they should be able to build a contender before long.
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