Fastball/Slider playing up for Hunter Barco early in 2024

Former second round pick taking another step another year removed from Tommy John

Photo Credit: WTM

After selecting prep hitter Termarr Johnson fourth overall in the 2022 draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates used their next two picks on college pitchers: Thomas Harrington and Hunter Barco.

There was talk about Barco going in the first round until he underwent Tommy John surgery, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2022 season and most of 2023.

The talent was there, it was just a matter of getting back on the field and acclimated to pitching again.

In the little time he spent in Bradenton at the end of the 2023 season, the change-up stood out for Barco, as it has flashed plus potential at times.

The slider was solid as well, but his fastball lagged behind. It averaged just 91 mph, and while he showed good command of it, the pitch didn’t seem like something he could miss a lot of at-bats with.

Fast-forward to the Spring Breakout this year, and Barco looked like a completely different pitcher. His fastball (listed as a sinker) averaged 94.4 mph and showed better IVB and HB than last year.