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