Seth Hernandez on the mound for Bradenton. Provided photo.

At just 19 years old, Bradenton Marauder’s starting pitcher Seth Hernandez is already making his name known across the ranks of minor league baseball. Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from Corona, California, was selected sixth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2025 MLB Draft, and began his first full professional season with Single-A Bradenton this spring.

Entering Wednesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Tarpons, Hernandez, the Pirates’ no. 2-ranked prospect, had made two starts, racking up 15 strikeouts across seven total innings without surrendering a single run. In his start against the Palm Beach Cardinals on April 10, Hernandez showcased his full repertoire, including a 4-seam fastball that reached 100mph and a knee-buckling 12-6 curveball, en route to striking out seven over four no-hit innings.

Because he was drafted out of high school, Hernandez faces a massive adjustment not only in the talent level of the competition, but also in the sheer amount of pitches he will throw in a professional season. “The main thing for me has just been about building innings, building my body, physically and mentally,” says Hernandez. “There are a lot of learning opportunities around health and arm care. High school has maybe a three month season and our season here is six months long. Nutrition and sleep are big parts of it.”

Although Hernandez has just began his first full minor league season, those interested in watching the 6-foot-4 phenom should think about making their way to LECOM Park sooner rather than later. Hernandez’s short outings are likely the product of a pitch limit—or overall innings limit on the season—to best preserve his young arm. If the right-hander continues to carve up opposing hitters at this current rate, it might not be long until he is promoted to High-A Greensboro. Until then, however, Hernandez is happy to play in front of the crowds at LECOM Park. “LECOM’s a big league stadium. It’s going to be a fun year with the guys,” Hernandez says.

Bradenton Marauders, LECOM Park, 1611 9th St West, Bradenton

Seth Hernandez on the mound for Bradenton. Provided photo.

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