Tony Blanco Jr.: Pirates' Power Hitting Prospect

0:00It's March 24th. Welcome to MLB News Today, powered by AI and ready for first pitch. Pittsburgh Pirates First Basement, Tony Blanco, Jr. stands out as one of their top prospects for a breakout in 2026, thanks to his RAW. Power at the plate. The 20-year-old Dominican signed for $900,000 back in January 2022 and capped last season with All Spring. Check out honors after crushing a 411-foot Grand Slam at 106.6 mph against the Detroit Tigers. Injuries have held him back so far, limiting him to no more than 40 games in any of his first four pro seasons, mostly at single A. Bradenton. Staying healthy will be key next year, giving him a full slate to refine his swing and build on that power. At 6.7 in 243 pounds, Blanco generates elite exit velocities when he connects, but his career, 35%, strikeout rate means he needs to improve contact for more singles and doubles

1:00alongside the homers. He proved his strength late in 2025 with the hardest hit minor league homer at 1.19, 0.8 miles per hour and 4, 150 feet, then dominated the Arizona Fall League by hitting the longest ball there at 464 feet, the second hardest hit. Over all that year, and winning the home run derby with 24 long balls. If Blanco can cut down the whiffs and log a full season, the pirates could see him climb fast toward Pittsburgh and live up to that big bonus day 1.