Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez makes Pittsburgh baseball history not done since Andrew McCutchen
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The Pittsburgh Pirates can't be sure that Esmerlyn Valdez is going to keep this up.
But right now, Valdez has started his MLB career in style, and it's a really exciting time to be a Pirates fan.
They'd be an improved team this season even without the scorching hot rookie, but he's helping matters, for sure.
It has actually been historic -- Valdez is the first Pirates rookie since Andrew McCutchen to have at least 10 extra-base hits and 15 RBI in his first 20 career games.
That's an official stat from MLB:
Esmerlyn Valdez is the first @Pirates rookie since Andrew McCutchen with 10+ extra-base hits and 15+ RBI within their first 20 career games. pic.twitter.com/IfaAV0hwgf
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) July 3, 2026
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Valdez is a 22-year old outfielder from the Dominican Republic.
So far, he is 18-for-57 in the major leagues (.316 average).
Valdez has four doubles one triple, six home runs and 15 RBI.
His OPS so far is a whopping 1.112.
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Valdez has played 19 games, so pitchers haven't been able to make full adjustments to his weaknesses yet. He hasn't shown many issues, yet, although he has struck out 21 times in 57 at bats, which is less than ideal.
Still, the Pirates will take this. Valdez has provided an incredible spark.
McCutchen ended up winning an NL MVP in Pittsburgh. The Pirates would gladly take a career like that from Valdez, but it's not worth getting ahead too far -- enjoy this hot streak in the here and now.