Esmerlyn Valdez is getting promoted to Class AA Altoona.
Valdez, the Pirates' No. 22 prospect, according to Baseball America, is tied for second among all full-season minor league players with 20 home runs, while also ranking third in total bases (164), tied for third in extra-base hits (39) and eighth in slugging (.592). Valdez leads the South Atlantic League in batting average (.303), hits (84), home runs, RBIs (57), slugging, OPS (.977), extra-base hits and total bases, while also ranking tied for first in doubles (18) and tied for fourth in runs scored (46).
Ben Cherington said yesterday on his team-produced radio show with Joe Block, that Valdez was "knocking on the door for a promotion." I spoke with Valdez earlier this month in Greenville, S.C., during high Class A Greensboro's five-game set against the Red Sox's affiliate and he credited an improved approach at the plate to his surge his year.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
4:29 pm - 06.30.2025DOWNTOWNValdez promoted to Class AA Altoona
Esmerlyn Valdez is getting promoted to Class AA Altoona.
Valdez, the Pirates' No. 22 prospect, according to Baseball America, is tied for second among all full-season minor league players with 20 home runs, while also ranking third in total bases (164), tied for third in extra-base hits (39) and eighth in slugging (.592). Valdez leads the South Atlantic League in batting average (.303), hits (84), home runs, RBIs (57), slugging, OPS (.977), extra-base hits and total bases, while also ranking tied for first in doubles (18) and tied for fourth in runs scored (46).
Ben Cherington said yesterday on his team-produced radio show with Joe Block, that Valdez was "knocking on the door for a promotion." I spoke with Valdez earlier this month in Greenville, S.C., during high Class A Greensboro's five-game set against the Red Sox's affiliate and he credited an improved approach at the plate to his surge his year.
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!