The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Seth Hernandez with the sixth overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, and the 19-year-old prospect expressed immense enthusiasm about joining forces with the team’s ace, Paul Skenes. Speaking on MLB Network, Hernandez revealed that pitching alongside Skenes was “probably my first thought,” describing the NL All-Star as “unbelievable.” This pairing has already generated excitement around the potential of the Pirates’ pitching staff.
Hernandez Brings Promising Talent to a Building Pirates Rotation
Though some Pirates fans questioned the choice due to the team’s already strong pool of pitching prospects, Hernandez was regarded as one of the top talents in the draft. Possessing a fastball that already hits 100 mph and a developing changeup that could become elite, Hernandez’s raw ability makes him a key future asset. At just 19, he will benefit greatly from the guidance of Skenes, adding significant value to an organization eager to end its playoff drought.
Hernandez is particularly excited to learn from Skenes and join a rotation that also includes Jared Jones, another promising young pitcher. While Mitch Keller was not mentioned by Hernandez, the new addition’s enthusiasm signals strong chemistry forming among Pittsburgh’s rotation candidates. Alongside other prospects like Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, and Thomas Harrington, the Pirates are building a foundation to potentially develop an elite pitching staff in the years ahead.
Potential to End a Decade-Long Playoff Drought with an Elite Staff
The Pirates have not shied away from investing in their future, signing Hernandez with a substantial bonus, reflecting their confidence in his upside. The hope is that Hernandez will mature alongside veterans like Skenes as the team eyes a return to postseason contention after nearly a decade without a playoff appearance. Fans should feel optimistic considering Hernandez’s talent, youthful energy, and eagerness to be a part of the team’s core rotation.
Though Hernandez will require time to develop fully, his combination of skill and mentorship under Skenes and Chandler could accelerate his growth. The duo of Hernandez and Skenes might become the cornerstone of a dominant Pirates rotation that helps reshape the team’s trajectory in the near future.
Hernandez’s Energized Mindset Boosts Pirates’ Outlook
Ultimately, the young pitcher’s excitement to pitch with Pittsburgh’s current star reinforces the positive momentum within the organization and among its fans. As Hernandez steps into professional baseball, the partnership with Paul Skenes not only raises expectations but also signals a committed approach to nurturing top-tier talent. The Pirates’ bold draft choice may mark a key moment in building a winning culture grounded in strong pitching.
“probably my first thought” —Seth Hernandez, Pirates Pitching Prospect
“unbelievable” —Seth Hernandez, Pirates Pitching Prospect
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first heard from Fanatics Collect on January 2. Nineteen days after that, Topps shared that an 11-year-old found the Skenes card in one hobby box.
Q. What’s so special about Paul Skenes?
A. He was the first modern-era pitcher to achieve 150 strikeouts and maintain an ERA below 2.00 in his initial 22 games. This statistic has been tracked officially since 1913. During all of their first 22 starts, only Steve Rogers had a lower ERA at 1.95 from the years 1973-74.