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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.
COMPLETE PIRATES PROSPECT COVERAGE
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
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