Jesus Valdez

JESUS VALDEZ, SHORTSTOP
Born: December 29, 1997
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 175
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2018 (Dodgers)
How Acquired: Trade with Dodgers for David Freese
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

The Dodgers signed Valdez at age 19.  He seems to have some power and athleticism.  The Pirates acquired him for David Freese at the 2018 trade deadline.

2018
DSL:  230/343/412, 204 AB, 11 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 28 BB, 46 K, 16-23 SB

Valdez played all four infield positions, short and third more often than first and second.  He hit for decent power, got on base reasonably well and stole some bases.  Of course, he was a little old for the league.

2019
R+:  292/377/431, 209 AB, 12 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 21 BB, 42 K, 7-11 SB

The Pirates moved Valdez directly to Bristol.  He spent more time at short than anywhere else (18 starts), but also played third (11) and second (6), and served as DH in 18 games.  He hit well, with passable plate discipline and solid power.

At 21, Valdez was a little old for advanced rookie ball, but he doesn’t have a great deal of experience yet.  His bat will play well if he can handle the middle infield.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2020: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2018
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2024
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2020
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
July 3, 2017: Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent.
August 31, 2018: Traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Pittsburgh Pirates for David Freese.