Pirates' Seth Hernandez Dazzles with 102 MPH Fastball

19-year-old pitching prospect wows in Spring Breakout game with triple-digit heat

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have been on a roll drafting top pitching talent, and their latest find, 19-year-old Seth Hernandez, is already turning heads. In a recent Spring Breakout game, Hernandez came out firing, with his first pitch clocking in at 102.4 mph. He went on to throw 11 of his 21 pitches at 100 mph or faster, leaving onlookers in awe of his electric stuff.

Why it matters

The Pirates have built an impressive pipeline of pitching prospects, with Paul Skenes and Konnor Griffin leading the way. Hernandez's blazing fastball and potential make him the latest exciting arm in the organization, further bolstering their future on the mound.

The details

Hernandez, the Pirates' 6th overall pick in the 2025 draft, is ranked as the team's 3rd-best prospect. In his Spring Breakout game outing, he walked the first two batters he faced but then struck out a hitter on a curveball and induced a double play to get out of the jam. His electric stuff has already left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it firsthand.

  • On Friday, Hernandez pitched in the Pirates' Spring Breakout game.

The players

Seth Hernandez

A 19-year-old pitching prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, selected 6th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. He is currently ranked as the team's 3rd-best prospect.

Max Clark

A prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization, who faced Hernandez in the Spring Breakout game.

Phillip Wellman

The High-A Greensboro bench coach, who managed the Pirates' team in the Spring Breakout game and commented on Hernandez's performance.

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What they’re saying

“And that first pitch at 102 did look a little bit like a beam of light, I'll tell you that.”

— Max Clark, Tigers prospect

“It's overpowering, and it's electric. He's big, he's strong and the first time he cuts loose a fastball, everybody's gonna go, 'Whoa.'”

— Phillip Wellman, High-A Greensboro bench coach

What’s next

Hernandez will look to continue his impressive performance as he progresses through the Pirates' minor league system, with the goal of eventually making his MLB debut.

The takeaway

The Pirates' pipeline of top pitching prospects continues to impress, with Seth Hernandez's blazing fastball the latest addition to an already formidable group. His electric stuff has scouts and coaches alike buzzing about his potential to be the next big thing in Pittsburgh.