What Can the Pirates Expect from Esmerlyn Valdez?

What Can the Pirates Expect from Esmerlyn Valdez?

Before 2025, the Pirates system faced a significant issue: a lack of impactful hitting prospects.

Esmerlyn Valdez has emerged as a notable exception, coming out of nowhere as a slugging stud worth watching.

A positive takeaway from Ben Cherington's tenure as general manager is the development of talented arms throughout the system.

Prior to the 2025 season, the Pirates' system was characterized by a lack of impactful hitting prospects, with most top-end talent being pitchers.

However, during the 2025 season, the team's offensive prospects made significant strides forward across the board, changing the landscape of the system.

Esmerlyn Valdez has come out of nowhere as a slugging stud worth watching.

Author's summary: Pirates' system sees improvement in hitting prospects.

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Just Baseball Just Baseball — 2025-10-26

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