Around the Curve | Breaking Down the Breakout

CURVE, PA. – For the third-straight spring, the top Pirates prospects will come together to make the Spring Breakout a must-see event.

The prospect showcase will return in the familiar format in 2026, with Pittsburgh hosting the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park in Bradenton on March 20 at 7:35 p.m. (I was announced that the event will change to a single-elimination tournament format in 2027.)

The Pirates defeated the Orioles 3-1 in the inaugural event in 2024 before traveling to Clearwater last spring and falling to the Phillies 5-3. This year, they will face a Tigers team that is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the No. 5 farm system in baseball (the Pirates are ranked No. 3.) Curve fans will recognize many names on Detroit’s roster from Erie, including Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle, and Josue Briceno from last year’s playoff roster.

Rosters are being constructed in two phases this year. The Preliminary 40-man player pool has been released for this season’s contest, featuring 17 players who have suited up for the Curve. This will eventually be cut down to an official 23–27-man roster on March 18 ahead of the contest. With one week before the showcase, let’s break down the breakout!

Altoona Curve Alums (Years with the Curve)

Hunter Barco, LHP (2024-25) - Barco is seen as the Pirates No. 5 prospect and the No. 96 prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline. After tearing it up in Altoona’s rotation to start 2025 (he set the franchise record with 25.2 consecutive scoreless innings to begin the season), he finished his campaign in the Majors, debuting on September 23 with the Pirates and making two relief appearances. Barco has a strong chance to crack the rotation in Pittsburgh this season. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Pittsburgh

Brandan Bidois, RHP (2025) – Named the Pirates Kent Tekulve Reliever of the Year in the Minor Leagues last season, Bidois put his name on the map with a strong campaign that landed him a 40-man roster spot after the season. He pitched at all four full-season affiliates (one rehab appearance in Bradenton) last year, tossing 25.0 innings with the Curve over 14 appearances and going 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA. With a mid-90s fastball, a high-spin slider, and a curveball to go with a new changeup, Bidois could be the next Australian to pitch in the Major Leagues as soon as this season. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Bubba Chandler, RHP (2023-24) – What more can be said about Bubba’s ability on the mound? The Pirates No. 2 prospect and the No. 11 prospect in all of baseball looks to be a staple in the Pirates rotation this season after finally cracking into the Major Leagues last year. The former third round pick made seven appearances with Pittsburgh last season and looks to establish himself as the next dominant arm in the Pirates system. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Pittsburgh

Khristian Curtis, RHP (2025) – Curtis is a name that Pirates fans should be paying attention to in 2026. Seen as the team’s No. 24 overall prospect, Curtis cracked into Altoona for the first time at the end of the 2025 season, making two appearances and tossing two scoreless innings in each. Curtis was a 12^th round pick in 2023 out of Arizona State and earned a non-roster invite to Pirates Spring Training this season. He struck out 119 batters in 110.2 innings last season and has a wide variety of pitches that make him hard to hit. Expect to see Curtis at the front of Altoona’s rotation to start this season but maybe don’t expect to see him there for long. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

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Wilber Dotel, RHP (2025) – Dotel was one of Altoona’s most consistent starters last season, making 27 starts and striking out a career-best 131 batters in 125.2 innings, the fourth most in a single season in franchise history (he led all Pirates Minor Leaguers in both strikeouts and innings pitched last season.) This strong campaign got Dotel ranked as the Pirates No. 13 prospect entering this year and landed him a spot on the Pirates 40-man roster in the offseason. With a fastball that can reach triple digits and a dominant splitter that sets him apart from the rest, if he throws the ball well to start the year, it’s possible we see Dotel pitching off the mound at PNC Park before the season is through. *Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Thomas Harrington, RHP (2024) – 2026 will be an interesting year for Harrington, who threw the ball so well in 2025 Spring that he jumped into the Pirates rotation to begin the season. Seen as the team’s No. 14 prospect, he still spent the bulk of last season in Indianapolis, making just three appearances with Pittsburgh early in the season in what was seen as a down year. He has already been optioned to Triple-A to start this season, so the question becomes: with a crowded rotation full of prospects, what is Harrington’s best path to the Majors? Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Antwone Kelly, RHP (2025) – Kelly is another young, intriguing arm in the Pirates system who was added to the 40-man roster in the offseason. After starting the year in Greensboro, he was a critical midseason addition to the Curve roster that made a playoff push, making 11 starts with a 3.00 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 48.0 innings. Fresh off an appearance in the WBC with Team Netherlands, Kelly is seen as the Pirates No. 9 prospect and is a likely candidate to pitch in the Indianapolis rotation to start the season. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Justin Meis, RHP (2023-25) – The Bethel Park native has become a fan-favorite in Curve, PA, pitching with Altoona for each of the past three seasons. After working as a starter in 2023, he shifted to the bullpen in 2024 and really found his footing in 2025, becoming one of the better options for the Curve in late-game moments. Meis lowered his ERA from 6.44 in 2024 to 2.89 in 2025 while also lowering his walk rate. He was named Altoona’s Fireman of the Year last season as one of the top bullpen arms and is a likely candidate to take a step closer to Pittsburgh in Indianapolis’s bullpen this season. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Cy Nielson, LHP (2024-25) – Nielson is another arm who has become popular with fans in Curve, PA. The former eighth round pick out of BYU has pitched out of Altoona’s bullpen for the last two seasons. He has made two appearances with the Pirates this spring, tossing a scoreless inning in each outing. At 25 years old, Nielson could be another relied upon left-hander in Altoona’s rotation to start the 2026 season before a potential jump to Indianapolis. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Mike Walsh, RHP (2025) – Walsh first arrived in Altoona last season and threw well. The former Yale Bulldog has a loud fastball that made him a go-to leverage arm in Greensboro and Altoona a season ago (he recorded the final outs of one of the two perfect games in Greensboro last season.) Walsh is likely back in the Altoona bullpen to start the season, but he earns his first Breakout nod after a strong campaign in 2025. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Omar Alfonzo, C (2025) – Alfonzo is seen as the Pirates No. 17 prospect, making him their second-highest ranked catching prospect behind Rafael Flores. He played in 49 regular season games with the Curve last season, hitting .218 with three home runs and 22 RBI after a strong first half of the season with Greensboro. He was a non-roster invite to big league camp this spring, where he went 2-for-7 in five games with a home run. Alfonzo, the son of former big leaguer Eliezer Alfonzo, will likely bring his power profile back to Altoona to start the 2026 season. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Jack Brannigan, INF (2025) – A former third round pick out of Notre Dame, Brannigan was playing as the every-day shortstop in Altoona last season before a shoulder injury ended his campaign in June. Still, his performance and draft stock landed him a spot on the Pirates 40-man roster after the season. Seen as a prospect who profiles at third base as well, it seemed likely for Brannigan to begin on the left-side of the Curve infield this season before he left Spring Training with a broken nose after taking a ball to the face. Health will be the question for when Brannigan ramps back up, but he could be a key contributor on the Curve infield at some point in 2026. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Duce Gourson, INF (2025) – Gourson is another name Pirates fans may want to pay attention to. The former ninth round selection out of UCLA grinded his way to Double-A last season and impressed along the way. A left-handed hitting infielder who can play second and third, Gourson hit .284 with an .803 OPS in 56 games with the Curve last season. He knocked 12 doubles, a triple, five home runs, and stole 10 bases to help lead Altoona to the postseason. The Pirates love the way his game profiles, making him someone who could make a brief appearance in Altoona on his way to greater things in 2026. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Konnor Griffin, INF (2025) – Baseball’s top prospect has lived up to all the hype that has come his way. The 19-year-old dominated at every level he played at in 2025, earning numerous Player of the Year awards and a Gold Glove at shortstop. Griffin is an all-around talent who is bidding to become the first teenager to debut on Opening Day since Ken Griffey Jr. (he became the youngest player in Altoona’s franchise history at 19 years, 3 months, and 26 days when he debuted last year). Expect great things from Griffin, who deserves every accolade that has come his way. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Pittsburgh

Termarr Johnson, INF (2024-25) – Johnson is another big name in the Pirates Minor League system. Taken as the first-round selection in 2022 out of High School in Georgia, Johnson is seen as the team’s No. 7 prospect and is hoping to capitalize off a big spring. Through nine games, he has hit .389 (7-for-18) with a double, a triple, and five RBI. He spent all last season with Altoona, hitting .272 with nine home runs as the everyday second baseman. 2026 will be a prove it year for Johnson, who likely starts in Triple-A and will have the chance to earn opportunities in the Majors as the year progresses. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Mitch Jebb, INF/OF (2025) – Jebb flashed his elite speed and grit in Altoona last season, transitioning from being an every-day infielder to mostly playing center field. He hit .265 with a .350 on-base percentage in 122 games with 17 extra-base hits last season and recorded four hits in Pirates Spring Training as a non-roster invite this year. Jebb was named Altoona’s Unsung Hero award winner last season and will look to continue his trek to the Major Leagues this season between Altoona and Indianapolis. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Altoona

Esmerlyn Valdez, OF (2025) – Valdez is perhaps the hitting prospect not named Konnor Griffin in the Pirates system with the most buzz from tis offseason. He put together a strong campaign between Greensboro and Altoona last season, hitting 26 home runs and 86 RBI with a .286 average that landed him the South Atlantic League’s MVP Award and a spot on the Pirates 40-man roster. He then shined in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit eight more home runs with 27 RBI in 19 games to be named the AFL Hitter of the Year. It’s likely that Valdez starts the year in Indianapolis, but he is another young rising prospect that could debut this season in Pittsburgh. Projected 2026 Starting Place: Indianapolis

Future Altoona Curve Stars

Yonleg Gaetano, RHP – A 20-year-old from Venezuela who was signed last April, Gaetano has yet to make his stateside debut, but he was named a Dominican Summer League All-Star last season and the Pirates Rookie-Level Pitcher of the Year last year with a 0.93 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 29 innings. He is a former shortstop converted to the mound and uses a 92-95 mph fastball with a slider and change-up. Curve, PA ETA: 2028

Seth Hernandez, RHP – Hernandez has yet to throw in an official game as a Pirates minor leaguer, but he already looks the part. The 19-year-old was Pittsburgh’s first round selection last summer out of high school in California and brings a strong four-pitch mix headlined by a mid-90s fastball. He is seen as the Pirates No. 3 prospect and the No. 29 prospect in baseball. Hernandez has already turned heads on the back fields this spring and will be on Pirates fans’ radars for years to come. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Jeter Martinez, RHP – Martinez was acquired at the trade deadline last season from the Mariners in return for Caleb Ferguson. At just 20-years-old, he has a large frame at 6-foot-4 and can touch 97 with his fastball. Keep an eye on his slider this season, which the Pirates got to work on with Martinez after he joined the organization. This is a name to follow moving forward. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Zander Mueth, RHP – Mueth is seen as the Pirates No. 26 prospect after splitting last season between the FCL and Bradenton. He was taken 67^th overall in 2023 out of high school in Illinois and signed a nearly $1.8 million bonus to forgo his commitment to the University of Mississippi. Mueth pitched to a 7.36 ERA in 10 starts with Bradenton last year and has been set back due to some injuries. It’s likely that he will hit the reset button with Bradenton to start the year. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Reinold Navarro, LHP – Navarro is another young international pitcher who is just 19-years-old. He made his stateside debut last season, pitching in nine games in the FCL before making six appearances (four starts) with Bradenton. He struck out 47 batters and allowed just nine hits in 25.2 innings in the FCL but walked 20 batters. He then walked 20 batters over 6.1 innings in Bradenton. The stuff is promising for the young lefty, but control will be the big focus in 2026. Curve, PA ETA: 2028

Levi Sterling, RHP – Sterling is another young pitcher who was heavily invested in after the Pirates took him 37^th overall in 2024 out of high school in California. He threw in only one game in Bradenton last season after tossing 31.2 innings in the FCL, allowing 23 runs on 35 hits with 21 walks and 30 strikeouts. He is seen as the Pirates No. 16 overall prospect and certainly has shown his upside thanks to his 6-foot-5 frame and four pitch mix that features a fastball at 95 mph. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Easton Carmichael, C – Carmichael was the Pirates third round selection last summer out of Oklahoma and has quickly become a catching piece that could move quickly through the system. He used a strong showing in the Cape Cod League (an all-star in 2024 and the MVP of the all-star game) as a springboard for a strong junior season in 2025. He made his professional debut in Greensboro last summer and played in 14 games. With his athleticism, power, and leadership traits, expect Carmichael to make some noise this season. Curve, PA ETA: Mid-2026

Edgleen Perez, C – Perez joined the Pirates organization from the Yankees in the David Bednar trade last summer. After playing 84 games with Single-A Tampa, he finished off the season behind the dish in Bradenton, hitting a combined .204 with 10 doubles. He is seen as the Pirates No. 23 ranked prospect and offers elite defense behind the plate. At just 19-years-old, there is still some work to do offensively, but his plate discipline is something that stands out. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Axial Plaz, C – Plaz split last season between Bradenton and Greensboro but only played in 11 games with the Grasshoppers and missed time due to injury. He was originally signed out of Venezuela by the Pirates in 2022 and has worked his way up the Minor League ranks over the last four years. Seen as the Pirates No. 22 prospect, Plaz is known to hit the ball hard from the right side of the plate and has plenty of power to all fields but needs to continue developing his defense. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Tony Blanco Jr., INF – Another exciting prospect at the plate, Blanco looks like he belongs on a football field. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 240+ pounds, Blanco has fought off injuries for the past few seasons but has shown to have no problem hitting home runs. The son of the late Major Leaguer Tony Blanco, Blanco Jr. hit eight home runs in 30 games last season between the FCL and Bradenton. He has not yet played more than 40 games in a season since he signed with the Pirates in 2022 but is still only 20-years-old. If he can put together a healthy 2026, watch out for his power. Curve, PA ETA: Mid-2027

Yordany De Los Santos, INF – De Los Santos cracked into Greensboro for two games last season after playing in 116 with Bradenton. The 21-year-old joined the Pirates as an international free agent in 2022 out of the Dominican Republic and can play all over the infield. He stole 51 bases with the Marauders last season and hit 11 home runs. Learning to handle his chase rate is the next step, but the Pirates No. 21 prospect is taking the right steps. (Keep an eye out for his younger brother, Johan, who is also turning heads as a 17-year-old Pirate who could make his stateside debut this season.) Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Murf Gray, INF – Another college bat from last summer’s draft class, Gray impressed with three solid seasons at Fresno State and in the Cape Cod League (all-star in 2024). The Pirates grabbed him at No. 73 overall and held him out of games last summer. At 22-years-old, he is an infielder who could move quickly up the ranks. He uses a 6-foot-4 frame to send power to all fields. His bat will carry him up the ladder, but time will tell if third base is a logical landing spot for him. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Darell Morel, INF – An 18-year-old infielder, Morel made headlines in the Dominican Summer League last year, hitting .287 with 26 stolen bases. He was originally slated to sign internationally with the Dodgers at the start of the 2025 signing period, but Los Angeles landing Roki Sasaki left Morel open for the Pirates to land. He is easy to project with a 6-foot-4 frame and a left-handed swing that shows power and promise. He is currently at shortstop, but there’s the chance he could outgrow the position. Regardless, Morel will be a fun name to dream on for Pirates fans. Curve, PA ETA: 2029

Callan Moss, INF – Moss joined the Pirates organization at the trade deadline last summer, coming over from the Royals with LHP Evan Sisk in the Bailey Falter deal. He is a 22-year-old right-handed first baseman who hit 13 home runs last season, with six of those coming with Greensboro in his final 30 games. He proved he can hit with a .339 average and a .993 OPS in those 30 games as a Pirate. Moss has his sights set on Altoona. Curve, PA ETA: 2026

Wyatt Sanford, INF – Sanford was the Pirates second round pick in 2024 out of high school in Texas, receiving an over-slot $2.5 million bonus to forgo his commitment to Texas A&M. His father, Chance, was a late-round Pirates draft selection in the early 1990’s and played parts of two big league seasons. Sanford’s season last year was cut short with a groin injury in August after he had graduated from the FCL to Bradenton. He is a hit-over-power type of player who stole 34 bases last season and has a good chance to stick at shortstop. Curve, PA ETA: 2027

Sammy Stafura, INF – Another trade deadline acquisition, Stafura joined the Pirates from the Reds in the Ke’Bryan Hayes deal. He slots in as Pittsburgh’s No. 12 prospect and was originally a 2^nd round draft pick out of high school in the Hudson Valley region of New York. He has already appeared in Bradenton and Greensboro, showing off elite speed and natural athleticism. Stafura is someone who could be on Altoona’s radar this summer. Curve, PA ETA: Mid-2026

Titus Dumitru, OF – Titus hasn’t officially made his debut in Curve, PA, but he was around the team last season for the playoff run. Dumitru joined the organization last July when the Pirates traded Hunter Stratton to the Braves. He was originally a 16^th round selection by Atlanta in 2024 out of New Mexico State. He spent all of last season in the South Atlantic League, splitting tie between Rome and Greensboro and hitting .237 with nine home runs and 28 extra-base hits. At 22-years-old, expect to see Dumitru in a Curve jersey at some point this season. Curve, PA ETA: 2026

Edward Florentino, OF – Florentino capitalized off a strong 2025 season to soar up prospect rankings. After signing with the Pirates in 2024 out of the Dominican Republic, he made a solid debut in the Dominican Summer League before tearing up the FCL and landing in full-season ball with Bradenton at just 18-years-old last season. He is a left-handed hitter with a 6-foot-4 frame and can do damage at the plate. He already ranks as the Pirates No. 4 prospect and the No. 50 overall prospect in baseball. If he stays on this trajectory, he could be another young prospect to fly through the Minor Leagues. Curve, PA ETA: Late-2026

Brian Sanchez, OF – Originally signed by the Brewers out of Venezuela in 2023, Sanchez has already been traded twice in his young career (From MIL to NYY for Jake Bauers, from NYY to PIT for David Bednar) and has yet to play a game as a Pirates minor leaguer. At 21-years-old, he is a candidate to make his High-A debut this season. Sanchez hit .281 in 63 games with Tampa last year and stole 24 bases before going on the injured list when he arrived in Bradenton. If he picks up those numbers in Greensboro, Sanchez could be a late season addition to Altoona’s roster. Curve, PA ETA: Late-2026

Will Taylor, OF – Taylor’s athleticism was his main draw when the Pirates drafted him out of Clemson in the fifth round in 2024. The former Tigers wide receiver and quarterback was also a star on the diamond and showed why last season. After starting the year in Bradenton and hitting .333 in 29 games, he jumped to Greensboro, where he knocked 21 extra-base hits and stole 15 bases. Taylor features a hit-first profile that is likely coming to Altoona this season. Curve, PA ETA: 2026

Other Breakout Participants

Rafael Flores Jr., C - Flores joined the Pirates in the David Bednar trade last summer after he had signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent and rose through their prospect rankings. He likely begins the season as the backstop for Indianapolis and is seen as the Pirates No. 10 prospect.

Nick Yorke, INF - Yorke was a return piece in the Quinn Priester deal two years ago after he was a first round pick by the Red Sox. His best path to Pittsburgh will be as a utility player this season, but its likely the campaign begins in Indianapolis.

Jhostynxon Garcia, OF - Garcia was the return piece in the deal that sent Johan Oviedo and Tyler Samaniego to the Red Sox this offseason. Of the three listed here, he may have the best shot at cracking the Opening Day roster, but it could still be an uphill battle for him. Indianapolis is a likely spot for the outfielder.

These trade acquisitions all played in the Eastern League but skipped over Curve, PA. All three will be bidding for spots on the Major League roster this season. Both Yorke and Flores played against Altoona for Portland and Somerset respectively. Garcia was promoted to Triple-A before Altoona got to face him in Portland.

Don’t miss the Pirates Spring Breakout Game next Friday night on MLB Network, and stay tuned all season long to the Around the Curve blog to stay up-to-date on the Curve!