With minor league camp in full swing, we are getting a good idea of which players might be making the jump to the United States in 2026 after playing in the DSL previously.
Among those names, Yonleg Gaetano leads a group of potentially eight pitchers that could be making their Stateside debut this year (according to the minor league camp roster handed out at Pirate City).
Gaetano, 20, was named the Pirates' Rookie-Level Pitcher of the Year last year after posting a 0.93 ERA, with 39 strikeouts over 29 innings pitched. Not included in those numbers, five perfect innings he tossed in the DSL playoffs.
He's on the older side for someone making their Stateside debut, but the stuff could allow him to make the jump straight to Low-A Bradenton to start the year. He was also named to the Spring Breakout game this year.
The fastball is reportedly in the 92-95 range, and throws a slider, and change-up. He's a former shortstop that converted to a pitcher.
Other pitchers that could be making the jump:
• Claudio Estelie is on the older end as well, as he'll turn 22 in June, but posted a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings last year. He has a fastball that reaches the mid-90s with some good outlier characteristics.
• Wifrailyn Jaquez will be 19 this season and struck out 41 batters in 40 innings pitched, but also posted a 5.18 ERA.
• Yeison Martinez will be 18 until August and posted a 3.97 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 22.2 innings pitched last year in the DSL.
• Stainer Valdez posted a 2.87 ERA in 15 2/3 innings pitched last year with 10 strikeouts and seven walks.
• Already 26 years old, Roilan Portuondo posted a 4.30 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings pitched last year in the DSL.
•Victor Trejo posted a 1.65 ERA over 32 2/3 innings pitched in 2025, his second year in the DSL.
• Robinson Smith might be the most interesting of the group outside of Gaetano. He'll be 18 all of the 2026 season and has an outstanding frame for a starting pitcher (listed at 6'4"). The overall numbers weren't pretty last year, posting an 8.87 ERA (he did have a 3.84 xFIP), but a lot of that damage was over two appearances, and he finished strong. He's young and raw but there's some upside here. The fastball can get in the mid-90s and has plenty of life to it.
THE ASYLUM
Gaetano leads group making Stateside debut
With minor league camp in full swing, we are getting a good idea of which players might be making the jump to the United States in 2026 after playing in the DSL previously.
Among those names, Yonleg Gaetano leads a group of potentially eight pitchers that could be making their Stateside debut this year (according to the minor league camp roster handed out at Pirate City).
Gaetano, 20, was named the Pirates' Rookie-Level Pitcher of the Year last year after posting a 0.93 ERA, with 39 strikeouts over 29 innings pitched. Not included in those numbers, five perfect innings he tossed in the DSL playoffs.
He's on the older side for someone making their Stateside debut, but the stuff could allow him to make the jump straight to Low-A Bradenton to start the year. He was also named to the Spring Breakout game this year.
The fastball is reportedly in the 92-95 range, and throws a slider, and change-up. He's a former shortstop that converted to a pitcher.
Other pitchers that could be making the jump:
• Claudio Estelie is on the older end as well, as he'll turn 22 in June, but posted a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings last year. He has a fastball that reaches the mid-90s with some good outlier characteristics.
• Wifrailyn Jaquez will be 19 this season and struck out 41 batters in 40 innings pitched, but also posted a 5.18 ERA.
• Yeison Martinez will be 18 until August and posted a 3.97 ERA with 21 strikeouts over 22.2 innings pitched last year in the DSL.
• Stainer Valdez posted a 2.87 ERA in 15 2/3 innings pitched last year with 10 strikeouts and seven walks.
• Already 26 years old, Roilan Portuondo posted a 4.30 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings pitched last year in the DSL.
•Victor Trejo posted a 1.65 ERA over 32 2/3 innings pitched in 2025, his second year in the DSL.
• Robinson Smith might be the most interesting of the group outside of Gaetano. He'll be 18 all of the 2026 season and has an outstanding frame for a starting pitcher (listed at 6'4"). The overall numbers weren't pretty last year, posting an 8.87 ERA (he did have a 3.84 xFIP), but a lot of that damage was over two appearances, and he finished strong. He's young and raw but there's some upside here. The fastball can get in the mid-90s and has plenty of life to it.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!