20240119, International Signing Day at Pirates Dominican Republic Academy, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Photos by Harrison Barden)
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
It didn’t take long for Edward Florentino to emerge as one of the top prospects in the Pirates minor-league system.
At the time of his signing, there wasn’t a whole lot of fanfare around the native of the Dominican Republic. Pittsburgh signed Florentino for a modest $395,000 bonus last January.
Florentino showed promise in his first professional season in the Dominican Summer league the same year he signed. In 49 games to start his career, he slashed .260/.432/.459 with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 28 RBI and eight stolen bases.
The 18-year-old built on his solid first showing with an even better 2025 campaign. Florentino began the season in the Florida Complex League but it didn’t take long to get a promotion to Low-A Bradenton. In 29 games in the FCL to start the season, Florentino carried a .347/.442/642 batting line with six doubles, a pair of triples, six home runs, 23 RBI and six steals.
After his promotion, Florentino totaled 54 games and was named the Florida State League Player of the Month for July. He ended his first stint with the Marauders with a .262/.380/.503 batting line with 17 doubles, 10 home runs, 36 RBI and 29 stolen bases.
Florentino’s performance this past season led to him being considered a top 100 prospect by some, including being ranked No. 81 on MLB Pipeline’s list.
Given his frame and athleticism, Florentino offers the Pirates flexibility. He’s spent time at all three outfield spots and played in 34 games at first base in his career. While he certainly has a chance to stick in the outfield — especially so at one of the corner spots — Florentino also has the size and offensive production to warrant becoming a full-time first baseman.
There’s plenty that’s appealing regarding Florentino’s game. He bats left-handed, has solid tools across the board — including above-average power and speed — and at least has a shot to stick in center field based off what he’s done there so far.
For an organization desperate for offense, it’s been a pleasant development for the Pirates to see Florentino’s emergence as his stock has soared. He’ll turn 19 years old on Tuesday, and if he continues at his current trajectory, he could reach the big leagues as a relatively young age.
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