The Arizona Fall League is in full swing and after one week of play MLB.com writer Joe Trezza compiled his list of the top performers from the first week of action. Among his choices was Pirates’ prospect
Esmerlyn Valdez representing the Salt River Rafters.
Just a week in but Valdez helped himself stand apart from the rest of the competition as he had two homers which is currently tied for the most in the league. He’s also impressed at the plate by drawing six walks, and striking out just once, which is a huge improvement for a player who just a year ago was struggling with a high strikeout percentage.
Valdez is a Rule 5 eligible player and with a strong Fall performance could earn himself a spot on the Pirates’ major league roster in 2026. He currently has a major league ETA slated for 2027, but it’s hard to ignore the kind of year he had and the team’s need for an offensive spark.
Valdez started his 2025 campaign with High-A Greensboro, playing 72 games with the Grasshoppers slashing .303/.385/.592 with 84 hits, 20 of which were home runs. Paired with top prospect Konnor Griffin the Grasshoppers had two of the best offensive threats in the South Atlantic League. Both players would earn invitations to the MLB All-Star Futures Game. Valdez led the league in seven statistical categories before being promoted to Altoona, and was named the South Atlantic League MVP at season’s end.
On July 2, Valdez would earn his promotion to Double-A Altoona where he would finish out the year, helping the team earn a trip to the postseason. With the Curve, he would add six more home runs to his season total while slashing 260/.363/.409. He would set a club record in the playoffs against the Erie Seawolves when he had five RBIs in a single contest, helping propel the club over Erie to earn a postseason victory. The 21-year old outfielder ended the season with a slash line of 286/.376/.520, 26 homers, 86 RBIs, and 131 hits.
Moving forward it is very possible that Valdez could play his way into a major league role if he continues to have a strong Fall campaign. To this point he’s continued to show off his power that was on full display in the regular season, with excellence patience and selection at the plate. His development has been incredible since being signed by the Pirates in 2021 to the a Dominican Summer League contract.
Esmerlyn Valdez is currently the Pirates number 15 highest rated prospect.
