Rafael Escalante

RAFAEL ESCALANTE, CATCHER
Born: September 13, 2001
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 160
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2018, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Venezuela
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
Escalante is an athletic player who was a shortstop when the Pirates signed him, but they decided to try him behind the plate.  He’s continued to play some in the infield, although not at short.

2019
DSL:  207/375/414, 87 AB, 5 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 15 BB, 13 K, 2-6 SB

Escalante did well at the plate in his first season.  His average was low, but he walked a lot — more than he struck out — and he hit for good power.  He played almost as much at first as behind the plate.

2020
DNP

2021
DSL:  275/405/330, 91 AB, 5 2B, 15 BB, 18 K, 4-5 SB

The Pirates sent Escalante back to the DSL and he divided his time between catcher, first, second and third, although he caught more than anything else.  At the plate, he hit for a better average and continued to walk a lot without striking out too much, but the power disappeared.

2022
R:  226/405/355, 93 AB, 8 2B, 2 3B, 24 BB, 23 K, 0-1 SB

Escalante had a good season and eventually earned semi-regular playing time in a utility role.  He started only three games behind the plate, but 14 at third, six at second and five at first.

Escalante figures to play a utility role somewhere at the lower levels.
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2023: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2019
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2025
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2023
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
November 6, 2018: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.