Hader Blanco

  • Position: LHP

  • Height: 5’11”

  • Weight: 150 lbs

  • Bats/Throws: L/L

  • Born: 02/14/2005

  • Country: Colombia

  • How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2022

  • Bonus: N/A

  • 40-man Roster: No

  • Rule 5 Eligible: 2026

  • Minor League Free Agency: 2028

  • Options Left: 3

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Overview

Blanco is a small lefty who doesn’t throw hard at this point but whom scouts like for his ability to pitch.  His fastball when he signed topped out about 87 mph, but he has a curve and change that both show potential.  He probably profiles long-term as a reliever.

2022-24

In his debut, opponents batted only .170 against Hader with a measly .210 slugging average, but he walked a batter an inning.  He generally worked 2-4 innings, including three starts. Hader went back to the DSL in 2023 and wasn’t as effective. He didn’t walk quite as many, but his WHIP increased from 1.53 to 1.62, and his ERA from 3.60 to 4.86.

After the 2023 season, Blanco was placed on suspension for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy. He missed all of the 2024 season.


Stats

Fangraphs

Baseball-Reference


Transactions

January 15, 2022: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.