Position: RHP
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 07/14/2001
Country: Dominican Republic
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2019
Bonus: N/A
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 3
Overview
Valdez is a big guy who threw 90-93 mph when signed. He added a slider and change, and had considerable projection. So far, control has been an ongoing issue.
2019-23
Valdez pitched in relief in the DSL and had a lot of trouble with the strike zone, walking 10.8 per nine innings. Opponents had a .427 OBP against him. After missing the pandemic season, he returned in 2021 and improved some, but still walked 8.3 per nine.
In 2022, Valdez had an ERA of 1.62, but his xFIP was 5.12. The ERA was largely the product of a .238 BABIP and a very high strand rate of 80.9%. His walk rate remained high and he didn’t miss a lot of bats, with a 6.8 BB/9 and 7.6 K/9. He spent nearly the entire 2023 season on the injured list, throwing only one inning.
Stats
Transactions
February 6, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.