3 high-ceiling Pirates prospects to watch in 2025

Edward Florentino

Valdez isn’t the only potential long-term first baseman the Pirates have in their system. They also have Edward Florentino. One of the Pirates’ international signings from last offseason, Florentino is one of the Pirates’ youngest prospects, but he made an outstanding first impression in the Dominican Summer League.

Florentino slashed .260/.432/.459 through 190 plate appearances. He went yard eight times and had an ISO of .199. He also drew more walks than strikeouts, with 38 free passes to oppose 36 Ks. Between the power he displayed, the on-base skills, and his outstanding walk rate, Florentino finished out the year with a .445 wOBA and 144 wRC+.

Now, yes, it was a small sample size in the DSL, but Florentino was still one of the better hitters at that level. There were 300 qualified batters in the DSL in 2024. Florentino ranked 32nd in OPS, wOBA, and wRC+. He was also one of only 24 qualified hitters with a walk rate of at least 20%. Only 60 hitters, including Florentino, drew more walks than strikeouts last season.

Florentino is listed at 6’4”, 200 pounds, and just turned 18 in November. Baseball America loves his powerful upside. They pin him as a potential 25+ home run hitter with plus power. As is the case with many young power-first prospects, his swing can get long as he sells out, and he did a lot of damage to fastballs rather than solving offspeed stuff in his pro debut. He has yet to be challenged at a full-season level. That could lead to some strikeout concerns down the line.