Matt Eddy of Baseball America, in his latest minor league transactions update, reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed David Valesente out of independent ball. Valesente hit for a .318/.407/.409 line in 154 at-bats last year, playing mostly third base.
Valesente attended St. Joseph’s, where he graduated in 2010. He was never drafted, and this will be his first contract with a major league baseball team. He turns 24 years old in July, and will likely spend time in A-ball this year.
Wilbur Miller has more on Valesente on his blog, and you can check out his player page here.