After a long wait, FanGraphs has finally updated its big board to include the top 50 prospects in the Pirates organization. FanGraphs agrees with other outlets: the Pirates’ system is fantastic. However, they arrive at this conclusion a little differently. Let’s explore how FanGraphs and author Eric Longenhagen view this farm system through four key takeaways.
A quick note: the article includes Konnor Griffin and Bubba Chandler, who have graduated since the start of the season. This deep dive will focus only on prospects who have not graduated.
Yes, Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino Are THAT Good
Before 2026, Seth Hernandez and Edward Florentino were identified by many as potential risers in prospect rankings. However, both have exploded onto the scene this year, and these rankings reflect that.
Hernandez is in the same prospect tier as Bubba Chandler was before the season—a 60 FV. While Chandler has experienced some struggles this year, he was at one point considered the top pitching prospect in all of baseball, and Hernandez appears to be on a similar trajectory. FanGraphs already grades his fastball at 55/70, with the pitch topping out at 100 mph, making it one of the best fastballs in the minor leagues. Complementing it is a slider with a future 55 grade, but his real calling card is his changeup. Like the fastball, Hernandez’s changeup sits at a 55/70 and could potentially become one of the best changeups in the sport, especially when paired with his electric heater.
That’s a lot of numbers and projection, but let me just reference the quote that ends his blurb: “Once polished, we’re talking about one of the best pitchers in baseball.”
Joining Hernandez at the top of the list is stud outfielder Edward Florentino. Previously, I compared Florentino’s swing to that of Riley Greene, but FanGraphs offers an even more glowing comparison: a young Cody Bellinger. This comparison is visual, yes, but it also shows up in how they project his ability. A projected 45 hit tool coupled with 60-grade power points to an All-Star-caliber bat.
What is particularly intriguing is how FanGraphs describes his power. They note that his exit velocities and raw strength are nowhere near elite, but his uncanny ability to pull the ball in the air makes him an exciting prospect. While Florentino is unlikely to debut at the ripe age of 19—putting into perspective just how much of a freak athlete Konnor Griffin is—he has plenty of room to grow and could potentially become a cornerstone for the Buccos.
Johan De Los Santos Is Uber-Underrated by Other Publications
De Los Santos is a prospect many of us have likely never heard of. He’s 17 years old, stands 5'11", and projects to have only average power as he develops. Yet FanGraphs ranks him fifth on a board that also includes the graduated Griffin and Chandler.
This stands out immediately. MLB Pipeline has him ranked as the Bucs’ 30th-best prospect. So what does FanGraphs see?
They see a player who fits the re-emergence of the contact-first hitter that we have seen in 2026. De Los Santos is blazing fast, taking just 4.0 seconds flat to reach first base from home. To put that in perspective, Chandler Simpson—widely considered the fastest player in baseball—posts times of 3.8 and 3.9 seconds.
The difference between De Los Santos and Simpson is that the young Buc also has a bit of projectable power, as he consistently pulls the ball hard. FanGraphs projects him as either a center fielder or second baseman down the road, and if he can become a plus defender at either position, the Pirates might have an electric player on their hands.
Murf Gray Is Rocketing Up Rankings
Here at Bucco Bantr, we absolutely love Murf Gray. A big-bodied corner infielder, he has great power and a cannon for an arm, both of which are to be expected from a player with a 6'3", 240-pound frame.
What isn’t expected is just how good Gray is at making consistent contact. He drives the ball the other way with authority, lines hits over infielders, and punishes mistakes. This is evident in the statistics from his first professional season. He’s hitting .341, walking at a solid rate, and crushing home runs, with 13 already on the year.
All of this sounds incredible, so why is he ranked only tenth in the system? Well, this ranking is actually pretty aggressive compared to other publications. MLB Pipeline, for example, has him ranked 17th. FanGraphs notes that, based purely on his statistical performance, they could reasonably place him in the same tier as Florentino and not bat an eye. However, they want to see a little more before vaulting him even higher.
It’s Not Looking Good for Termarr Johnson
When the Pirates selected Termarr Johnson fourth overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, he looked like a safe bet to reach the majors and contribute. He possessed an elite hit tool, outstanding plate discipline, and power with room to grow.
On top of that, he carried himself with confidence, openly expressing his desire to lead the next wave of talent in Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as planned, and FanGraphs is extremely aggressive with its ranking, placing him just 14th in the system. While they believe he might walk enough and pull enough home runs to become a replacement-level hitter, Johnson’s days as a highly touted prospect may be coming to an end. FanGraphs’ direct comparisons for him were Josh Rojas and Cavan Biggio. Both carved out MLB careers, but neither developed into anything particularly special.
This Is a Deep System
FanGraphs only ranks prospects who have at least a 35+ future value, which essentially represents organizational depth with a chance to earn a roster spot. The Pirates have 50 such prospects, which is an enormous number.
For comparison, both the Angels and Athletics have only 36 prospects who meet that threshold. These organizations have been drafting in similar ranges as the Pirates for years, so seeing the Buccos boast 50 notable prospects is a massive win.
