The Pittsburgh Pirates recently designated outfielder Jack Suwinski for assignment. Suwinski hasn’t been able to come anywhere close to his 2023 breakout campaign, where he had 26 home runs and a 112 wRC+ at just 24 years old. However, since then, Suwinski only had a dozen home runs and a 59 wRC+ over his last 147 games. While his time in Pittsburgh comes to an unceremonious end, it does open the door for one of the Pirates’ most impressive power-hitting prospects, and top 15 prospect in their system, Esmerlyn Valdez.

Recent DFA Opens Door for Pirates Top Prospect

Valdez flashed plenty of talent in 2024 at Bradenton. He went yard 22 times and had a strong .815 OPS, .384 wOBA, and 131 wRC+. However, 2025 was a massive step forward. The outfielder slashed .286/.376/.520 with a .412 wOBA, and a 155 wRC+. He still hit for plenty of power, with 26 home runs over 529 plate appearances, and an isolated slugging percentage of .234.

Big Improvements Help Valdez’s Best Ability

The biggest thing Valdez improved upon was his ability to make contact and avoid striking out. Valdez had a 30.6% strikeout rate and made contact just under 70% of the time at A-Ball Bradenton. In 2025, he lowered his K% below 25% for the first time, clocking in at 24.7%. His contact rate also shot up to 72.4% of the time. Valdez even improved on this as he got to Double-A, with a contact rate of 74.1%.

Valdez’s improvement in his ability to make contact is huge for him. There’s no doubt he has plus power potential. Among A-Ball hitters in 2024 who saw at least 1000 pitches at that level, Valdez ranked 16th in exit velocity at 88.5 MPH, and fifth in barrel rate at 11.5%. While High-A and Double-A do not have Statcast data publicly available, the fact that he continued to hit for well-above-average power shows he hasn’t lost any pop and, if anything, has gained some.

New Slugger On The 40-Man Roster

Valdez was added to the Pirates’ 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. The Bucs already have plenty of outfielders right now. Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Jake Mangum are all on the 40-man roster as well, and all could make the Opening Day roster. The Pirates also signed Ryan O’Hearn this offseason, and he will likely spend a large portion of his 2026 in right field. They also have Billy Cook and Nick Yorke on hand, who can also play the outfield.

However, there are very few players on the Pirates’ 40-man who have the potential to hit for more power in the future than Valdez does. The Pirates need power. Last year, they were dead last in home runs, with just 117. The St. Louis Cardinals had the second fewest, with 148. Suwinski certainly did not do anything to help the Pirates’ cause.

Removing Jack Suwinski from the roster puts Valdez a step closer to reaching the Major Leagues. If the Pirates need help in an outfield corner or at first base, they’ll call on Valdez. He had one of the best seasons in the Pirates’ minor league system last year. He could definitely help the Bucs hit more home runs in the very near future.

Main Photo Credits: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images