Pirates getting instant spark from Esmerlyn Valdez

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Pirates getting instant spark from Esmerlyn Valdez

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 29, 2026 3:04 PM ET

While the Pittsburgh Pirates lost Spencer Horwitz, one of their best hitters this season, to a hamstring injury on June 25, rookie Esmerlyn Valdez has provided them with an instant offensive boost.

The 22-year-old rookie made his MLB debut for the Pirates on May 22 and was recalled on June 11 to provide outfield depth following an injury to Oneil Cruz.

Since Valdez was already on the Pirates roster, he was able to pinch-hit for Horwitz when he exited the game on June 25. Now he has homered in three consecutive games for the Pirates.

Since Horwitz's injury Valdez has gained regular playing time in right field and he's put on a dominant performance. He is one of two players (Yordan Alvarez, 2019) aged 22 or younger to crush five home runs with an OPS over 1.000 in their first 15 games in MLB.

The last two players age-22 or younger to hit 5+ HR with an OPS over 1.000 in their first 15 games in MLB:

2019 Yordan Alvarez
2026 Esmerlyn Valdéz ‍☠️

Valdéz has provided an immediate spark to the Pirates' lineup! pic.twitter.com/0Gzk7awy9f
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 29, 2026

Esmerlyn Valdez shining bright for Pirates in his rookie season

With the way Valdez has been performing, he could very well develop into an everyday player following his $130,000 signing in 2021. He wasn't even the top prospect at the time but has transformed into a significant win for the Pirates this season. The international youngster is batting .262 with five home runs, 10 RBI and a 1.001 OPS across 42 at-bats.

While the rookie has been on a hot streak, there is one weakness that he carries: high fastballs. He's been late on the pitch, but if he is able to make an adjustment and can start handling such offerings he has the tools to become a top power hitter.

Following his two home run performance on June 28 that helped the Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds, the rookie commented on his home run success.

"I'm just looking forward to continuing to do that when the opportunity comes," Valdez said, via SportsNet Pittsburgh.

A year ago, Valdez was playing in High-A Greensboro and now he has more home runs this season than both Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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