Welcome to a new edition of the Pirates Beat newsletter. Pittsburgh begins a six-game homestand Friday night with three against the Red Sox and three vs. Detroit. PITTSBURGH – The Pirates’ farm system has been revamped and replenished in 2026. Following the graduation of No. 1 overall prospect Konnor Griffin, along with key contributors to the Major League club like starter Bubba Chandler, slugger Esmerlyn Valdez and pitcher Wilber Dotel, Pittsburgh has six new faces in its top 30 since Opening Day. With the graduations, the Pirates also parted ways with former Top 30 prospects Sammy Stafura and Omar Alfonzo to upgrade their MLB roster ahead of the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline. Even with shipping off a shortstop and catcher, Pittsburgh still has plenty of depth at the positions with five shortstops and four catchers in its top 30. 2025 first-rounder Seth Hernandez remains the organization’s top prospect, while 19-year-old outfielder Edward Florentino is close behind. 2026 top pick Derek Curiel jumped into the top three and 2025 Competitive Balance Round B selection Murf Gray is now a top-100 prospect in the sport. Here’s a look at the Pirates' top prospects: 1. Seth Hernandez, RHP (MLB No. 7)
2. Edward Florentino, OF/1B (MLB No. 35)
3. Derek Curiel, OF (MLB No. 91)
4. Murf Gray, 3B (MLB No. 95)
5. Wyatt Sanford, SS Complete Top 30 list » |
Biggest jump/fall Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the preseason list: Jump: Johan De Los Santos, SS (2026 preseason: NR | 2026 re-rank: 11)
De Los Santos has already appeared in Single-A Bradenton after turning 18 in late July. The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native is a left-handed-hitting shortstop who was signed in January 2025. De Los Santos still has a ways to go before reaching the Majors but is an intriguing prospect with plenty of room to grow. Fall: Thomas Harrington, RHP (2026 preseason: 14 | 2026 re-rank: NR)
Harrington was recalled and activated for a short stint this season but didn’t appear for the Major League club. In Triple-A Indianapolis, the 2022 Competitive Balance Round A selection has a 6.43 ERA in 70 innings. Harrington has largely pitched out of the bullpen, and at 25 years old will have to get back on track quickly. New to the list Here are the players added to the Top 30 from outside the organization: No. 3, Derek Curiel, OF (Pick No. 5 in 2026 Draft) No. 6, Aiden Ruiz, SS (Pick No. 44 in 2026 Draft) No. 9, Chris Rembert, 2B (Pick No. 51 in 2026 Draft) No. 17, Jason DeCaro, RHP (Pick No. 80 in 2026 Draft) No. 18, Andruw Giles, OF (Pick No. 108 in 2026 Draft) No. 24, Tre Phelps, 3B (Pick No. 258 in 2026 Draft) |
Best tools Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. Players in parentheses have the same grade. Hit: 60 -- Derek Curiel (Chris Rembert) Power: 60 -- Tony Blanco Jr. (Edward Florentino) Run: 60 -- Wyatt Sanford (Lonnie White Jr.) Arm: 60 -- Aiden Ruiz (Murf Gray, Edgleen Perez, Jhostynxon Garcia) Defense: 65 -- Aiden Ruiz Fastball: 70 -- Seth Hernandez Curveball: 60 -- Seth Hernandez Slider: 60 -- Reinold Navarro Changeup: 60 -- Seth Hernandez Control: 60 -- Connor Wietgrefe |
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MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
The tumbling Pirates will soon receive a key reinforcement. Star center fielder Oneil Cruz is nearing a return after missing over two months with fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures in his left hand. Cruz could return to face the Red Sox Friday night. After not participating in baseball activities from early June through late July, Cruz returned to the diamond with Triple-A Indianapolis and then Double-A Altoona for recent rehab assignments. He played two games for the Indians, going 0-for-5 with two walks. With Indianapolis heading on the road this week, his rehab was transferred to Altoona, where he went 2-for-8 with two hard-hit singles. Cruz was amid a career-best season before injuring his hand sliding into home plate in Atlanta on June 6. He tallied a career-high .822 OPS while producing 14 homers and 21 stolen bases in only 64 games, putting him on pace for a historic 40-60 season. Now, Cruz’s return will need to help save the Pirates' playoff hopes. |
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CELEBRATE PITTSBURGH BASEBALL HISTORY
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The Pirates' limited home schedule in August means the final homestand of the month begins Friday vs. Boston. Honor the legacy of the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords of the Negro Leagues by paying homage to Josh Gibson and more Black stars. The first 20,000 fans Friday night score a Negro League Legacy-themed T-shirt, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates. The celebration continues Saturday night by paying homage to one of America’s top ballparks. The first 20,000 fans take home a PNC Park replica statue, presented by PNC. |
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