PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Most mock drafts had the Pirates selecting college shortstop Aiva Arquette, instead they went for a high school pitcher. California 19-year-old, 6’4” right-hander Seth Hernandez.
Committed to Vanderbilt, Hernandez delivery was described by one MLB Network analyst as ‘butter’, meaning is was so smooth and effortless. He’s already thrown 100 miles-an-hour, but typically throws in the mid-90s, occasionally getting to 98. MLB.com says one of the best traits for Hernandez is his work ethic and his ability to make adjustments and corrections. He was the best player available according to the MLB.com rankings at the time of the pick.
Hernandez is the second pitcher since 2019 to be the Pirates first overall pick in the draft, Paul Skenes went number one overall in 2023.
Pirates have selected several pitchers with supplemental first-round picks recently (Levi Sterling 2024, Thomas Harrington 2022, Carmen Mlodzinski 2020)
Of the Pirates last five first overall picks, three are on the Pirates roster (Skenes, C Henry Davis 2021, INF Nick Gonzales 2020) a fourth is one of the top prospects in the sport (SS/OF Konnor Griffin 2024) and 21-year-old INF Termarr Johnson is at AA.