Esmerlyn Valdez Homers Again Amid Hot AFL Start
For the second time in as many days, Pirates prospect Esmerlyn Valdez went deep in the Arizona Fall League. The righty slugger got the best of a hanging slider on Tuesday, then repeated the feat on Wednesday against Pablo Aldonis of the Nationals.
Facing Scottsdale, Valdez deposited another slider deep into the night in Phoenix’s East Valley. The ball left the bat at 114.4 mph and traveled an estimated 414 feet. Valdez crushed 26 home runs during the regular season between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona , and his 48 longballs over the last two seasons tie him with premium prospects like Bryce Eldridge and Ryan Clifford.
After going deep on back to back nights, he’s first player in the 2025 Arizona Fall League with multiple home runs. He also drew three walks.
