Minor-league top performers: Keiner Delgado, Nick Solak lead way offensively
Who were the top performers in the Pirates' system last week?
Another week of minor league action in the books, and there were plenty of top performers in the system. Three of the four minor league affiliates won their series, with only the Bradenton Marauders losing their six-game set to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
There were plenty of highlights, especially on the offensive end. The system showed again why it is gaining a reputation as a pitching factory, with some highlight moments as well.
Here are the six best from the previous week: three hitters and three pitchers.
Top Hitters
Nick Solak
Last Week: .526/.565/.737, 5 R, 2B, HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K, 3 SB
A minor league free agent signing that also spent some time in major league camp during spring, Nick Solak has been one of the better hitters for the Indianapolis Indians this season, but really stood out this past week.
His 10 hits tied for the system lead. He also hit his third home run of the season.
Keiner Delgado
Last Week: ..417/.481/.625, 3 R, 5 2B, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K, SB
Playing for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Keiner Delgado tied Solak for the system lead last week with 10 hits. He also launched five doubles, most of which went the opposite way.
He’s been a key run producer for the Grasshoppers this year, batting in the middle of the order primarily. It was an explosive week for the offense at First National Bank Field, and Delgado sparked a lot of it.
Javier Rivas
Last Week: .381/.458/.607, 4 R, 2 HR, 9 RBI, BB, 6 K
Javier Rivas sparked the Grasshoppers’ comeback after trailing 7-0 in the second inning by hitting a grand slam. He would later hit the walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to complete the comeback. It was a part of a five-hit day for him.
He finished the week with eight hits, two of which were home runs. When a big hit was needed, Rivas was there last week.
Top Pitchers
Antwone Kelly
Last Week: 4 IP, H, 5 K
It’s been a fantastic start to the season for Antwone Kelly, who has seemed to get better in his first few starts in 2025. This one was special, as he reportedly hit triple-digits and faced the minimum through four and struck out five batters.
His slider is grading out well and has seen a velocity bump. Jersey Shore hitters couldn’t make the adjustments needed to him.
Hunter Barco
Last Week: 5 IP, H, BB, 5 K
It was another masterful start for Hunter Barco, who allowed just a hit and a walk over five innings. He has yet to allow a run in 13 innings this season and has struck out 14 total.
He worked quickly, never letting hitters settle, and overpowered them with his fastball, slider, and splitter pitch mix.
Connor Wietgrefe
Last Week: 4 IP, 5 K
Another Greensboro pitcher who faced the minimum, Connor Wietgrefe, struck out five over four innings.. The only baserunner he allowed was due to an error he committed. That runner was canceled out on a double play a few pitches sooner.
He mixed his pitches well, but focused on his fastball (low 90s) and slider/cutter (mid to upper 80s).
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love these articles! 2 suggestions that would make it even better.. Would be cool to see the level they're at + the position they play next to their name (& prospect ranking if in the top 25). I'd also like to see their YTD stats (are they having a good season, or was this week just a blip on the radar?