As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Everything looked great for Espino in this one. The fastball was still just as big of a headache for minor league hitters as it always has been. The question with him is health. The dream here is that he is able to be a reliever for the Guards next year, and maybe in a few years, if he shows that he can hold up in that role, he could maybe be converted back into a starter. I am happy for Espino, and I think he is going to be a pain in the behind for major league hitters as soon as early next year.
Sebastian Walcott did not have the 2025 we would have expected, and the hit tool red flags got a touch brighter. But there is still some serious upside here. I don't think he is a shortstop, but that's fine; I am not writing about Rangers prospects yet. The big thing when it comes to Walcott is, will the contact ever allow the power to be viable in-game? I am slightly less sure of that than I was this time last year. It might be worth selling high in some leagues while the value is still here.
Not that Max Muncy. But this one is in an interesting spot with the love of our prospect lives, Jacob Wilson, firmly holding onto the shortstop job in Sacramento. Muncy is in a competition for second and third-base reps. Muncy doesn't have the prototypical power for those spots, but in what might be his last real chance to be a consistent starter, he could carve out a role where he hits 15-18 homers and steals 20+ bags a season.
The Pirates have a lot of these types: big power, probably first-base-only prospects. Valdez is the closest to the majors of this type of prospect for the Pirates. Valdez smashed this one 108 off the bat, and he might be one of the premier power-hitting prospects in the minors. Back-to-back seasons with 20 homers is nothing to sneeze at. I do worry about the hit tool, but he has the sort of pop that makes any ballpark look small.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Director of Amateur Scouting, proud to lead and share the team's work. | Check out Path to the Show on Bally Sports Live and College Baseball Now everywhere! | Grateful for family, the Vols, and everyone who reads Prospects Live. | For His Glory.
Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
