# Pirates' Future Stars Could Transform Franchise

> Pirates' Seth Hernandez and Murf Gray emerge as top prospects poised to reshape the team's future.
- Title: Pirates' Future Stars Could Transform Franchise | Shortify
- Summary: Pirates' Seth Hernandez and Murf Gray emerge as top prospects poised to reshape the team's future. Pirates' Seth Hernandez and Murf Gray, both high-potential…
- Keywords: pittsburgh pirates, seth hernandez, murf gray, mlb, bob friend pitcher of the year, honus wagner player of the year, 2025 mlb draft, 2026 mlb season, 2027 mlb season, 2028 mlb season, sports, Pirates'
- Source: Pittsburgh Pirates On SI — https://si.com/mlb/pirates/onsi/pittsburgh-pirates-have-two-future-stars-could-change-franchise
- Published: 2026-10-22T15:03:28+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: pittsburgh pirates, seth hernandez, murf gray, mlb, bob friend pitcher of the year, honus wagner player of the year, 2025 mlb draft, 2026 mlb season, 2027 mlb season, 2028 mlb season, sports
## Pirates Name Top Minor League Award Winners
The Pirates named Seth Hernandez as Bob Friend Pitcher of the Year and Murf Gray as Honus Wagner Player of the Year.
## Hernandez and Gray Show Major Talent in 2026
Hernandez and Gray took big strides in 2026 and showed they are among baseball's top future talents.
## Pirates Fans Wait for Major League Impact
Pirates fans can only wait until Hernandez and Gray make it to the major leagues and start making their impact.
## Seth Hernandez Next Pirates Ace
Hernandez should join the Pirates' strong young starting rotation by 2028 with potential to dominate.
## Pirates' Strong Starting Rotation
The Pirates have a strong young starting rotation built through the draft with Paul Skenes, Braxton Aschraft, Jared Jones, and Bubba Chandler.
## Hernandez Drafted 6th Overall in 2025
The Pirates drafted Hernandez 6th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft from Corona High School in Corona, Calif.
## Hernandez Excels in Single-A Bradenton
Hernandez had a 3-0 record in six starts with a 0.96 ERA over 28 innings and 50 strikeouts.
## Hernandez Moves to High-A Greensboro
Hernandez was moved up to High-A Greensboro on May 14 after dominating in the Florida State League.
## Hernandez Faces Challenges at High-A
Hernandez had a 3-1 record in 12 starts with a 3.33 ERA over 46 innings and 68 strikeouts.
## Hernandez Recovers from Injury
Hernandez recovered from a left oblique strain that ended his season in late July and will return for 2027.
## Hernandez's Pitching Strength
Hernandez throws a close-to-100 mph fastball with a 'parachute' changeup, slider, and curveball.
## Hernandez's Strikeout Potential
Hernandez has 118 strikeouts before his injury, the second-most among minor league pitchers.
## Murf Gray Solves Third Base Issues
Gray could solve the Pirates' long-term third base issues after Ke'Bryan Hayes was traded.
## Gray's 2026 Performance
Gray hit .305/.402/.567 with 143 hits, 27 doubles, 32 home runs, and 97 RBI in 2026.
## Gray's Power Potential
Gray hit nine home runs at Single-A and Double-A Altoona and 15 home runs at High-A.
## Gray's Future Prospects
Gray could join the Pirates in 2027 and become a key third baseman if he continues his success.
## Key takeaway

Pirates' Seth Hernandez and Murf Gray, both high-potential prospects, could become key contributors by 2028.