Ever since he started playing baseball, Esmerlyn Valdez’s favorite player has been José Bautista. More specifically, the legendary bat flip he tossed after his pivotal home run of the 2015 ALDS, a moment he dare not try to recreate.

“They'll take me out of the game if I do that,” Valdez joked over Zoom last week, via interpreter Juan Guerra.

There are some similarities between the Pirates’ prospect and the retired outfielder. Both are Dominican outfielders. While Valdez doesn’t bat flip on the field, his social media presence is an extension of his joyous approach to the game, celebrating his teammates, organization and each of the 26 home runs he hit between High-A Greensboro and Double-A Altoona.

And like they did with Bautista a couple of decades ago, the Pirates enter this winter ne

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