FCL Observation: Hunter Barco Rehab Debut

Hunter Barco made his Pirates debut in the organization on Thursday while rehabbing with the Florida Complex League team.

Report is brought to us by Wilbur Miller, who was at the game to see Hunter Barco pitch.

Hunter Barco made his pro debut with the FCL Pirates today(Thursday), on a rehab assignment.  The Pirates drafted Barco in the second round, 46th overall, in 2022, knowing he’d had Tommy John surgery in May and would be out until some time in mid-2023. 

He’s a 6’4” lefty from the University of Florida who came with a scouting report of a low-90s fastball that sometimes edges higher, a change with some potential, and a slider that produces a lot of swings and misses.

For a guy making his return from TJ, Barco’s debut went smoothly.  He walked the first batter he faced, then retired six straight, four on strikes.  His control looked surprisingly good; it’s generally control rather than velocity that takes time to bounce back after TJ. 

Barco seemed to be locating his pitches better with each batter as he went along.  Gun readings weren’t available, but his velocity seemed consistent with the scouting reports and was able to move the fastball around the zone. 

The slider produced most of the strikeouts and definitely looks like his out pitch.  It’s a tight slider and he seems to locate it well.  Hitters generally swung over it as it may be difficult to distinguish from the fastball. 

He went with the change a few times and it seemed to have some deception, although it’s hard to judge that when you can’t go behind home plate (visitors aren’t allowed there at Pirate City).

Along with Thomas Harrington, Barco was the most highly regarded of the many college pitchers the Pirates drafted in 2022, so it’s good to see him get on the field.  It was only two innings against rookie level competition, but for a first game back from TJ, it was as good as you could hope to see.