Report: Pirates promoting promising young first base/outfield prospect
The Pirates are giving another corner outfield bat the opportunity to contribute to the Major League lineup.
BRADENTON, FLORIDA - MARCH 20, 2026: Esmerlyn Valdez #85 of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs to first base after being walked with the bases loaded during the third inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Detroit Tigers at LECOM Park on March 20, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting one of the biggest power-hitting bats in the organization to the Major Leagues. First baseman/outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez is expected to join the Pirates in Toronto on Friday before the Pirates begin a three-game series against the Blue Jays.
BBWAA member Francys Romero was first to report the promotion. Regarded as the 9th-best prospect in the system by MLB Pipeline, Valdez crushed Triple-A pitching. In 46 games, Valdez hit .
253 with 10 doubles and 10 home runs during his first season at the highest level of the minor leagues. Esmerlyn Valdez just hit the hardest home run of his career at 112. 6 MPH off the scoreboard!
๐ช pic. twitter. com/6Y5zdVx49Y โ Indianapolis Indians (@indyindians) May 20, 2026 Valdez totaled 29 runs driven in and held an impressive 33 walks compared to 41 strikeouts.