Minor League Baseball named Chesapeake Baysox left-handed starter Caden Hunter the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for July 28-Aug. 2, 2026. Hunter earned the honor after throwing seven shutout innings in his Double-A debut against the Altoona Curve.
The award was announced Aug. 3. Hunter allowed one hit, issued two walks and struck out 10 batters in the outing, tying for the longest start by an Eastern League pitcher last week while recording the league’s highest strikeout total in a start during that period.
Caden Hunter shines in Double-A debut
Hunter made his Double-A debut Wednesday afternoon in Altoona against the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He retired the first 12 batters he faced and struck out five, including the side in the third inning.
Altoona recorded its only hit in the seventh inning, when Lonnie White Jr. delivered a two-out single. Hunter completed seven shutout innings with two walks and 10 strikeouts, matching his professional career high.
Hunter encountered trouble to begin the fifth inning when he issued consecutive four-pitch walks. He recovered by retiring nine of the final 10 batters he faced, with White’s single serving as the only exception.
Hunter threw 89 pitches, including 61 strikes. His start matched the longest by an Eastern League pitcher last week, while his 10 strikeouts were the most in a start by any league pitcher during the week.
Hunter has excelled across three levels
The Chesapeake Baysox promoted Hunter to Double-A on Tuesday after he began the season with the Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds. He later moved to the High-A Frederick Keys before reaching Chesapeake.
Hunter made six appearances, including five starts, with the Shorebirds and pitched in 10 games, including nine starts, for the Keys. Across three levels this season, he is 4-1 with a 1.32 ERA, 112 strikeouts, 33 walks and 75 innings pitched.
Opponents are batting .149 against Hunter, who ranks second among Orioles minor leaguers in strikeouts. MLB.com lists him as the Orioles’ No. 11 prospect.
The Orioles drafted Hunter in the sixth round of last year’s MLB Draft out of the University of Southern California. He spent two seasons at Sierra Junior College before transferring to USC for his final collegiate season.
Third Chesapeake Baysox pitcher to win award in 2026
Hunter is the third Chesapeake Baysox player to win Eastern League Pitcher of the Week honors this season. Left-hander Luis De León received the award July 13, and right-hander Trace Bright won it April 27.
Both De León and Bright have since been promoted to Triple-A Norfolk. Hunter’s selection gives the Chesapeake Baysox three winners of the league’s weekly pitching award this season.
Hunter projected to start Chesapeake home series
Hunter is the probable Chesapeake Baysox starter for the series opener against the Harrisburg Senators, the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. Chesapeake and Harrisburg will begin a seven-game series Tuesday at 6:35 p.m.
The start would give Hunter his Prince George’s Stadium debut. Single-game tickets, ticket plans and group offers for the 2026 season are on sale.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Hunter’s award follows a strong introduction to Double-A baseball. He combined seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts, limited the Altoona Curve to one hit and threw 61 strikes in 89 pitches.
His broader 2026 numbers also explain the recognition. Hunter’s 1.32 ERA, 112 strikeouts and .149 opponents’ batting average across three levels give the Chesapeake Baysox a productive young starter as the team prepares to begin its series with the Harrisburg Senators.
Source: Original report
