Position: C
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 09/13/2001
Country: Venezuela
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2018
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 3
Overview
Escalante is an athletic player who was a shortstop when the Pirates signed him, but they decided to try him behind the plate. He’s continued to play some in the infield, although not at short. He’s a good receiver and does reasonably well at controlling the running game.
2019-21
Partly due to the pandemic, Escalante was still in the DSL in his third season. In 2019, he did well at the plate, not hitting for average but showing good power and drawing walks more than he struck out. In 2021, he partly did the opposite, batting .275 but not hitting for much power. He still drew walks and kept the strikeouts under control.
2022-23
Escalante spent 2022-23 in the FCL. In 2022, he started only three games behind the plate, but 14 at third, six at second and five at first. He hit for gap power and drew a lot of walks, but didn’t hit for average. In 2023, he played almost entirely behind the plate, throwing out 19% of base stealers. He had his best all-around season at the plate, hitting 256/409/367, with 23 walks and only 15 strikeouts. He played the season at 21, so he wasn’t young for the level.
Stats
Transactions
November 6, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.