Under the Radar Prospects: Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects

The Pittsburgh Pirates are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects in which five players from a team’s system are identified as players to be on the lookout for that aren’t on any of the top prospect lists. Among the five players this week is a versatile fielder with speed and power, and a foursome of pitchers with an electric array of pitches.

Charles McAdoo, 3B/OF - Pittsburgh Pirates

Selected in the 13th round of the 2023 draft by the Pirates, Charles McAdoo has produced some of the best overall numbers of his draft class thus far. McAdoo began his professional career with 28 games in Single-A in which he hit .302/.412/.510 with five home runs and five stolen bases, while also walking 14.9% of the time. Now 22-years old, McAdoo is starting out the year at nearly the same pace at a higher level. Through his first 30 games at High-A, McAdoo is hitting .297/.370/.514 with five homers and five steals.

Defensively, McAdoo is able to play multiple positions competently, albeit not above average anywhere. Thus far in 2024, McAdoo has mainly played third base, but has also seen time at first, second, and in right field. His overall athleticism and ability to make contact make him a solid all around player that has thus far performed well above average in his brief professional career.

Hunter Barco, LHP - Pittsburgh Pirates

Hunter Barco was considered a first round talent during his high school days, but elected to go to college instead. After a successful collegiate career, the Pirates selected Barco in the second round of the 2022 draft. Unfortunately, Barco’s professional debut would be delayed by Tommy John surgery, which he underwent just prior to the draft in 2022.

During his first taste of professional baseball in 2023, Barco made 9 appearances — 8 starts — between the complex league and Single-A. Over these outings, Barco registered just 18 1/3 innings pitched, but compiled a 3.44 ERA | 1.79 FIP with a 36% strikeout rate and 7.7% walk rate. Now 23-year old Barco is in High-A to begin 2024 and is working on building up his innings but is still dominating. Over seven starts, Barco has a 1.65 ERA | 2.20 FIP with a 31.2% strikeout rate and 7.3% walk rate with opponents hitting just .182 against him. Barco’s 2.04 FIP since making his professional debut is the second lowest in all of minor league baseball over that time.

Michael Kennedy, LHP - Pittsburgh Pirates