BALTIMORE -- When the Pirates signed Edward Florentino as an international free agent in January of 2024, the projection was that 6-foot-4 teenager would eventually land at a corner outfield spot or first base. That tends to be the pathway for prospects who have the frame and a hit tool, but maybe not as refined of a defensive game.

But Florentino is the type of player who wants a challenge. He and his uncle, Junior Cline, dove into what it takes to be a center fielder, from what routes to take to learning to be more vocal when in the field. The Pirates took notice of the growth that Florentino made in the field, and he ended up playing the majority of his games at that position in 2025, making only one error on the season.

“I’ve always told myself I want to be a star center fielder, b

See Full Page