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Now fully healthy, ’26 breakout Valdez seeking greater heights in ’27

BRADENTON, Fla. -- While the Pirates’ ongoing Forge High Performance Camp has been geared toward 30 or so Minor League players, equipping them with various development tools, there have been a few MLB sightings around Pirate City. Endy Rodríguez has…

Published: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 6:36 PM
Now fully healthy, ’26 breakout Valdez seeking greater heights in ’27
Key Things to Know
  • Esmerlyn Valdez is fully healthy following a season-ending left hamstring strain and plans to play Dominican winter ball.
  • Valdez demonstrated his full fitness by taking batting practice and running bases at Pirate City in Florida.
  • During the 2026 season, Valdez hit 17 home runs with an .855 OPS in 72 games.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has recovered from a season-ending left hamstring strain and is preparing to play winter ball for Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic. Valdez demonstrated his full health during workouts at Pirate City in Bradenton, Florida, by taking batting practice and running the bases as he sets his sights on the 2027 season.

During his 2026 breakout campaign, Valdez hit .232 with 17 home runs and an .855 OPS in 72 games. He earned NL Rookie of the Month honors in July with eight homers before his injury on September 11.

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