While most of the baseball world has been focused on the MLB playoffs this month, the Arizona Fall League is underway, allowing top prospects to gain valuable experience and keep honing their skills.
One prospect has already taken the league by storm, however, getting off to a historic start.
Esmerlyn Valdez, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ No. 15 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was named AFL Hitter of the Week after his jaw-dropping performance for the Salt River Rafters last week. The 21-year-old slugger was an easy choice for the award, batting an otherworldly .615/.727/1.846 while leading the league in total bases (24), home runs (five) and hits (eight).
Valdez is off to a hot start this week as well, launching his eighth homer in nine games with a three-run shot on Tuesday. He’s slashing .545/.718/1.682 and is more than halfway to Brandon Wood’s AFL homer record of 14 from 2005.
In his eight games before that, Valdez had a 2.286 OPS. For reference, the only time an MLB player has had an OPS that high over an eight-game stretch was Barry Bonds, who had a 2.859 OPS and eight homers over an eight-game span for the San Francisco Giants in April 2004.
Story continues below advertisement
That’s the type of company Valdez is in as he continues to showcase his superstar potential on a daily basis.
If he keeps it up, Valdez could debut for the Pirates as soon as next year. He’s been with the organization since 2021 and has thrived in the Minors, smashing 62 homers and 67 doubles with an .846 OPS in 356 career Minor League games.
Story continues below advertisement
After reaching Double-A this year, Valdez is progressing nicely. Pittsburgh’s lineup could use a boost, so the sooner he’s ready for The Show, the better.
More Pirates: Ex-Pirates Stars Set To Face Off In Dodgers-Blue Jays World Series
Featured image via Brett Davis/Imagn Images