The Pirates’ latest top 30 is packed with fresh blood, and the biggest story is how quickly the list has been reshaped. Pittsburgh has six new names in its top 30 since Opening Day, a group that reflects both the organization’s draft haul and the ripple effects of big-league promotions and deadline moves.
That turnover starts at the very top. After the rise of No. 1 overall prospect Konnor Griffin, the Pirates have also watched starter Bubba Chandler, slugger Esmerlyn Valdez and pitcher Wilber Dotel graduate to the Major League club.
On top of that, Pittsburgh moved former Top 30 prospects Sammy Stafura and Omar Alfonzo in the lead-up to the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline as part of its push to strengthen the MLB roster.
Even with those departures, the system still has real depth at shortstop and behind the plate. The Pirates now have five shortstops and four catchers in their top 30, so the talent pipeline at those spots is still very much intact.
At the head of the group is 2025 first-rounder Seth Hernandez, who remains the organization’s top prospect at No. 1 overall and MLB No. 7.
Right behind him is 19-year-old outfielder Edward Florentino at No. 2 and MLB No. 35, followed by 2026 top pick Derek Curiel, who has already climbed to No. 3 and MLB No. 91.
Murf Gray, the Pirates’ 2025 Competitive Balance Round B selection, checks in at No. 4 and MLB No. 95, while Wyatt Sanford rounds out the top five at shortstop.
The newest rise belongs to Johan De Los Santos, who jumped into the system at No. 11.
The left-handed-hitting shortstop from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, signed in January 2025 and has already appeared in Single-A Bradenton after turning 18 in late July. He’s still a long way from the majors, but the Pirates clearly see upside and room for growth.
Not every movement was upward. Thomas Harrington fell out of the rankings after entering the year at No.
- He was recalled and activated for a brief stretch this season, though he never got into a game for the big-league club.
In Triple-A Indianapolis, the 2022 Competitive Balance Round A pick has posted a 6.43 ERA across 70 innings, with much of his work coming out of the bullpen. At 25, he needs a quick turnaround.
The new draft class is a major part of the story throughout the back half of the list. Curiel sits at No. 3, while Aiden Ruiz comes in at No.
6, Chris Rembert at No. 9, Jason DeCaro at No.
17, Andruw Giles at No. 18 and Tre Phelps at No. 24.
It’s a clear sign that the Pirates’ 2026 crop has already made its presence felt in the rankings.
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