Pirates Pitcher Bryan Mena Is Standing Out in Arizona Fall League

Mena’s scoreless AFL run

Mena has appeared in four games, including two starts, for Glendale. Across 7.2 innings, he has given up nine hits and three walks while recording 11 strikeouts. On Oct. 27, he worked 2.2 scoreless innings in relief against Salt River, allowing three hits and a walk and striking out five in Glendale’s 1-0 victory. Earlier, he threw three scoreless innings against the Surprise Saguaros on Oct. 20, allowing four hits and striking out three.

A varied pitch mix

Mena uses a curveball, slider, sinker, four-seam fastball and changeup. His sinker averages 92.5 mph, while his fastball averages 91.8 mph. In the AFL, his curveball and slider have produced whiff rates of 57.1% and 63.2%, respectively. The report says he will need to keep developing command of his off-speed pitches and limit hard contact.

From Colorado to Pittsburgh

In 2026, he pitched for High-A Greensboro, going 5-4 in 22 outings, including 14 starts. He posted a 4.87 ERA over 88.2 innings, with 70 strikeouts, 37 walks, a .262 batting average against and a 1.44 WHIP.

A chance to finish strong

Mena has been the strongest Pirates pitching prospect in the AFL, while Zander Mueth, Brandon Cain, Cristhian Tortosa and Michael Walsh have struggled. Their listed ERAs are 17.36, 12.16, 18.00 and 5.63, respectively.

The AFL has one week remaining. Another strong outing could give Mena a positive close to 2026 as he looks ahead to 2027.