As we continue to wind down on the prospects list for the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates squad, we will talk about prospects #11-15 today.

#15: LHP Hunter Barco

The 44th overall pick in the most recent draft out of Florida, Barco had 1st round potential going into the 2022 draft but Tommy John surgery shortened his season and plunged his draft stock. The recovery has gone well thus far and if he’s able to reach his potential again the Pirates may have themselves a future ace on their hands. Across his 3 seasons at Florida he finished with a 3.18 ERA, a 17-5 record, and 189 strikeouts. Barco may be able to hit affiliated ball this year depending on his progression. 

#14: RHP Jared Jones

A 2nd round pick out of La Mirada, California in 2020, Jones was picked to make an immediate impact in the Pirates organization. He was sent to Bradenton in 2021 after the Covid year and put up solid results, winning a championship with a 4.64 ERA, 3-6 record, and 103 strikeouts. He was moved up to Greensboro in 2022 once again putting up solid results. A 5-7 record, 4.62 ERA, and 142 strikeouts. Jones is expected to move up to AA Altoona for 2023 where he’ll look to continue improving his game. Jones was invited to be part of the training camp roster for the big league squad. 

#13: RHP Thomas Harrington

#13: RHP Thomas Harrington. The 36th overall pick in the most recent draft out of Campbell University had a phenomenal year that earned him a top draft pick status. He finished his two year career at Campbell with a 2.94 ERA, an 18-5 record, and 186 strikeouts. I expect Harrington to make the Bradenton roster in 2023. 

#12: RHP Luis Ortiz

#12: RHP Luis Ortiz. No one expected Luis Ortiz to become this big of a prospect when he was signed in 2018 out of the Dominican Republic. He debuted in 2019 with Bristol having a respectable 2-2 record, 4.09 ERA, and 37 strikeouts. He moved up to Bradenton for 2021 where he helped lead them to a FSL championship with 113 strikeouts, a 5-3 record, and a 3.09 ERA. He completely skipped Greensboro and went straight to AA Altoona where he dominated right out of the gate having 126 strikeouts, a 5-9 record, and a 4.64 ERA. He earned a promotion to AAA Indianapolis rocking a 3.60 ERA and 12 strikeouts in his 2 appearances. He was quickly called up to the big leagues where he majorly impressed. Ortiz had 17 strikeouts in his 4 starts along with a 0-2 record and a 4.50 ERA. Ortiz will look to make a crowded Pirates roster in 2023. 

#11: OF Lonnie White Jr.

#11: OF Lonnie White Jr. A two sport athlete coming out of high school, White had a tough decision to make after getting selected with the 64th pick in 2021. He had the choice of playing football at Penn State University or playing for the Pirates organization. He elected to play baseball after a hefty signing bonus was given to him. White has struggled to stay healthy throughout his first two seasons in the black and gold so 2023 is a huge year for his development where he should debut in Bradenton.