Pirates' Seth Hernandez Shines in the MLB Futures Game: A Pitching Showcase
The MLB Futures Game, a showcase of top prospects, took place on Sunday, and it was a pitching-dominated affair. Among the standout performers, Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Seth Hernandez stood out, showcasing his versatility and talent. With a perfect 14-pitch inning, Hernandez displayed his four primary pitches: a blazing fastball, an exceptional changeup, a curveball, and a slider.
What makes Hernandez's performance even more impressive is his age. At just 20 years old, he has the potential to become a top-of-the-rotation starter, and it's hard to imagine injury derailing his progress. His fastball reached 99-101 mph, and his changeup was equally impressive, sitting at 87-88 mph. The scouting scale rates a changeup as 80, and Hernandez's pitch was right on par.
Another standout pitcher was Seattle Mariners right-hander Ryan Sloan, who demonstrated his versatility with five different pitches. His four-seam fastball sat at 97-100 mph, and he also showed a two-seamer at 95 mph, a kick-change, a sweeper, and a cutter. Sloan's sweeper is usually his best pitch, but he hung one to San Francisco Giants prospect Dakota Jordan, who turned it into a double down the left field line. Ultimately, Sloan's four-seamer and kick-change were his most effective weapons.
Kendry Chourio, a right-hander for the Kansas City Royals, also impressed with his command. At just 18 years old, Chourio was the youngest pitcher in the game, and his fastball sat at 98-99 mph with a 12/6 curveball. Chourio's ability to get on top of the ball and drive the fastball down into the zone is a testament to his skill.
The 2025 MLB Draft's three college lefties also showed promise. Kade Anderson, a Mariners pitcher, started for the American League and showcased his fastball at 93-95 mph, along with a plus changeup and above-average slider. He allowed only a bloop single to Jesús Made, the top prospect for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Liam Doyle of the St. Louis Cardinals was another standout, throwing 97-99 mph with a downward-breaking slider and a splitter. Doyle got a whiff from Boston Red Sox prospect Franklin Arias, but he also overthrowed, which is not uncommon in this game.
Jamie Arnold of the Athletics was 94-96 mph, showing two- and four-seamers, with a slider and changeup. He looked much better than in the A's Spring Breakout game in March.
However, not all pitchers performed well. Washington Nationals right-hander Miguel Sime Jr. hit 101.1 mph but couldn't command his pitches, facing five batters, walking one, giving up two hits, and throwing a wild pitch. Anthony Eyanson, Boston's top pitching prospect, was just 93-94 mph, missing glove side with the fastball, and his slider wasn't sharp either.
San Diego Padres left-hander Kash Mayfield was only 91-94 mph with a fringy slider and changeup. He threw 25 pitches and didn't generate a single whiff, while only 13 of his pitches went for strikes.
In terms of hitting, Tampa Bay Rays catcher Nathan Flewelling was named MVP for hitting the only home run of the game. It was a great piece of hitting, even though the ball wasn't that hard-hit. Flewelling saw 96 on the first pitch and turned it into a homer to right, leaving his bat at 95 mph.
Rays teammate Theo Gillen had a single and was robbed of another by Jesús Made, who made a strong play against him. Blue Jays infielder JoJo Parker had the most impressive single swing of the game, ambushing 101 mph from Sime and nearly homering himself.
The two Brewers infielders, Jesús Made and Luis Peña, also stood out. Made had a bloop single, a groundout, and a flyout, and made a strong play against Gillen. Peña played third base and made an outstanding catch on a pop fly down the left field line, showing outstanding bat speed in his three at-bats.
Other notes include Padres prospect Ethan Salas, who singled and walked, and the catcher didn't swing and miss once. Cleveland Guardians first baseman Ralphy Velazquez played the whole game and finally got a hit in his last at-bat, getting to a slider running down-and-in for a single to left.
Overall, the game showcased the talent and potential of these young prospects, with pitching dominating the action. The high velocity and skill on display made for an exciting and competitive event, leaving a lasting impression on fans and scouts alike.
