Esmerlyn Valdez Promoted to Altoona
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez to the AA Altoona Curve, this according to Chase Ford of MiLB Central.
Valdez joined the Pirates’ organization, after signing with them in January of 2021 out of San Juan La Maguana in the Dominican Republic.
In 2024, Valdez put in his first full season of professional ball with the Low A Bradenton Marauders. He hit 22 home runs, while slashing .226/.352/.464, in 107 games.
Valdez began 2025 at the High A level for the Greensboro Grasshoppers. The 21-year-old has broken out in a big way this year, as he’s slashed .303/.385/.592. Valdez led the South Atlantic League in average (.303), slugging (.592), OPS (.977), total bases (164), and home runs (20). The 20 long balls are currently the most among Pirates minor league players this season.
It was announced on Monday that Valdez, along with 2024 first round selection and #2 Pirates prospect, Konnor Griffin, will represent Pittsburgh in this year’s MLB Futures Game, which is apart of All-Star Weekend at Truist Park in Atlanta.