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Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Three Hitters Impressing in the FCL
Which hitters are impressing for the FCL Pirates thus far?
The Pittsburgh Pirates FCL club has been the best in the FCL this season. Let's take a look at three hitters currently on the roster who have impressed.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have one of the best teams in the Florida Complex League this year. Following a 6-5 victory over the FCL Rays on Monday afternoon, the FCL Pirates now own a FCL best 28-11 record.
A big factor to their strong season has been a powerful offense. So, who are three hitters that are currently impressing and driving the FCL Pirate offense? As a preface, it should be noted this will be three hitters currently on the roster. So it will not include hitters such as Yordany De Los Santos and Lonnie White Jr. who had strong seasons leading to a promotion to Low-A Bradenton.
First baseman/outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez
19 year old first baseman/outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has been one of the best hitters for the FCL Pirates and in the entire FCL so far this season. In his second season in the FCL, Valdez has made huge strides at the plate.
Last season, Valdez hit for a .232/.371/.394 slash line with a 117 wRC+ in 124 plate appearances. He drew walks at a 14.5% rate, struck out in 23.4% of his trips to the plate, and had an isolated slugging (ISO) of .162
Through his first 109 PAs this season Valdez's numbers have exploded. He hit for a .394/.459/.628 slash line with a wRC+ of 176. His walk rate is still a strong 11%, he's struck out at a 24.8% clip, and his ISO has risen to .234.
If Valdez continues to hit the ball the way he has he will continue to improve his prospect status. It should also put him in position to start the 2024 season with Low-A Bradenton.
Infielder Javier Rivas
20 year old infielder Javier Rivas has been a hitting machine in the FCL this season. The 6-foot-6 right-handed hitting Rivas has played second base, shortstop, and third base this season. He's also had 190 PAs at Low-A, but more on that later.
Through his first 117 PAs in the FCL this season Rivas has hit for a .330/.385/.481 slash line with a 126 wRC+, 5.1% walk rate, 24.8% strikeout rate, and an ISO of .151. He's stolen six bases and has 11 extra base hits.
Rivas' time in the FCL has come after he struggled with Low-A Bradenton this season. In 190 PAs with Bradenton this season Rivas hit for a woeful .188/.233/.244 slash line with a wRC+ of 32. His biggest issue was a 38.9% strikeout rate.
You never want to see a player demoted in the minor leagues. However, Rivas has responded to that exactly the way you want to see. He has gone down the FCL and done nothing but hit, putting himself in a position to get another chance at Low-A.
Infielder Jeral Toledo
Jeral Toledo is also 20 years old, and in his second second in the FCL. Like Valdez, Toledo has made huge strides over his performance from last season. The switch hitter has played second base, shortstop, and left field this season.
Last season Toledo hit for a .173/.333/.265 slash line with a 16.3% walk rate, 25.2% strikeout rate, 83 wRC+, and an .092 ISO in 123 PAs. In 83 PAs this season, Toledo has made big strides in every aspect at the plate.
Through his first 83 PAs this season Toledo's slash line has jumped to .323/.446/.547 with a 155 wRC+. His walk rate has jumped to 19.3%, strikeout rate has dropped to 15.7%, and his ISO has risen to .234.
Few players on the FCL Pirate roster have made bigger strides from last season to this than Toledo. This should set Toledo up to make the jump to Low-A Bradenton either later this season, or to start the 2024 campaign.
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