We recently discussed in our latest podcast the struggles of the lower-level Pittsburgh Pirates affiliations (Greensboro and Bradenton) and how things needed to change rapidly. Spoiler alert: they did. Bradenton went from the worst record in their conference to pulling off an 11-game win streak. Meanwhile, Greensboro has found themselves with the best record in their division, winning six of their last ten.

Greensboro Grasshoppers: A+ at it’s Finest

Starting with Greensboro, the pitching has been phenomenal, being led by 13th-ranked Pirates prospect Hunter Barco. Barco holds a 1-1 record and 44 strikeouts over his 37.1 innings. The rest of the rotation features 21st-ranked Patrick Reilly, Alessandro Ercolnai, J.P. Massey who represented the National League at the MLB Futures game last season, Derek Diamond, and Wilber Dotel. Reilly is still adjusting to High-A ball but has collected 44 strikeouts in 31.1 innings.

The bullpen has also been a bright spot for the Grasshoppers with flamethrowers such as Brandon Bidois and Jaden Woods who have inched close to a 100 mph fastball. Emmanuel Chapman has been a sneaky good offseason signing with 23Ks in 16 innings and Cy Nielsen has emerged as the possible future setup man in a Pirates bullpen. Dominic Perachi, Jack Carey, and Jaycob Deese all have seen time in Double-AA and bring that experience back to the Hoppers. Julian Bosnic, Darvin Garcia, Elijah Birdsong, and Ryan Harbin have also shown flashes. Luis Peralta has been the star of the show with his 36 strikeouts in 18 innings, and a 0.50 ERA.

The bats have been led by infielder Charles McAdoo who has exploded on the scene this year with a .313 batting average, 33 RBIs, 6 home runs, and the ability to practically play any position. Catcher/First Baseman Nick Cimillo has also shocked many fans with his .313 average, 4 home runs, and 17 RBIs. Other top 15 prospects such as Termarr Johnson (2), Mitch Jebb (7), Jack Brannigan (9), and Lonnie White Jr (11) started somewhat slow but have recently been heating up. Once top prospects Hudson Head and Maikol Escotto have both shown massive improvements at the plate with Escotto seeing a 60-point increase in his batting average and Head already matching last year’s totals just 2 months into the season. Shawn Ross and Luke Brown both have seen massive strides from last season and continue to flourish in their roles. P.J. Hilson, Josiah Sightler, and Geovanny Planchart are slowly in their adjustment stages of minor league ball but the Hoppers as a whole are looking like one of the most dominant teams in High-A.

Bradenton Marauders: Slow Start to Recent Success

In a season full of surprises, the Bradenton Mauraders have had plenty of them. Losing key players such as Enmanuel Terrero, Garret Forrester, Justin Miknis, Braylon Bishop, and Jesus Castillo early in the season forced many players to step up, and boy they have. Omar Alfonzo and Axiel Plaz may just be the best-catching duo in Low-A with both prospects hitting like crazy and showing the athleticism every team wants in their catchers. The addition of Keiner Delgado in the J.T. Brubaker sparked the Mauraders lineup the moment he stepped foot there. Sergio Campana has been impressive since he returned from the IL along with Solomon Maguire the promising Australian prospect in his affiliation debut. Eddy Rodriguez and Esmerlyn Valdez have both turned into top 30 potential names with their all-around play.

Michael Kennedy leads the charge of the Maurader pitching brigade with his 41Ks in 34 innings. Carlson Reed, Hung-Leng Cheng, Hunter Furtado, and Khristian Curtis round out the impressive, good rotation with the swing and miss. 2023 draft prospects hold most of the Maurader bullpen such as Danny Carrion, Magdiel Cotto (the turtle catcher), Payton Stumbo, Tyler Kennedy, Landon Tomkins, and Garrett McMillian. Connor Oliver shows closer potential coming over in the Colin Selby trade. Mike Walsh and Carlos Jimenez are both coming off an injury-filled 2023 and have shown flashes as well as Luigi Hernandez, Yoldin DeLa Paz, and Antwone Kelly.

For what seemed like a bleak future for the Pittsburgh Pirates just a month ago, the lower affiliates are starting to figure it out. The question is how long can it last?