Pirates’ surprising Arizona Fall League standout is making a case for a bigger role in 2027

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Bryan Mena has emerged as a standout in the Arizona Fall League, working as an opener and reliever for Glendale. The right-hander has not allowed a run through his first 10 2/3 innings in the AFL. Rum Bunter highlights that Mena could contend for an expanded role and bullpen depth in 2027.

Selected from the Colorado Rockies in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft, Mena made 14 starts and eight relief appearances with High-A Greensboro in 2026. Rum Bunter notes that his walk rate improved to 3.8 per nine innings, which has helped him maintain effective control during his AFL performance.