Before 2025, the Pirates system faced a significant issue: a lack of impactful hitting prospects. However, Esmerlyn Valdez has emerged as a notable exception, coming out of nowhere as a slugging stud worth watching.
Under General Manager Ben Cherington, the Pirates have excelled in developing talented arms throughout the system. Until this season, however, they had not seen the same results with their offensive talent.
Prior to the 2025 season, the biggest question facing the Pirates' system was their lack of impactful hitting prospects, with most of their top-end talent being pitchers. This changed during the season, with their offensive prospects making significant strides forward.
The Pirates' system was lacking in impactful hitting prospects before 2025.
Esmerlyn Valdez brings hope to the Pirates' system with his emergence as a hitting prospect.
Author's summary: Valdez emerges as a notable hitting prospect.