Wilkin Valdez

WILKIN VALDEZ, RIGHT HANDED PITCHER
Born:  July 14, 2001
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 210
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2019, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A
WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE
Valdez is a big guy who threw 90-93 mph when signed.  He added a slider and change, and considerable projection.

2019
DSL:  2-1-0, 5.74 ERA, 2.06 WHIP, 26.2 IP, 10.8 BB/9, 6.1 K/9

Valdez pitched in relief in the DSL and, obviously, the strike zone was a big problem.  Opponents had a .427 OBP against him.

2020
DNP

2021
DSL:  2-4-0, 4.88 ERA, 1.79 WHIP, 24.0 IP, 8.3 BB/9, 9.0 K/9

Valdez made marginal improvements, with a walk rate that was still extremely high.

2022
DSL:  4-0-3, 1.62 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 33.1 IP, 6.8 BB/9, 7.6 K/9

Valdez had a great ERA, but the analytical stats weren’t buying it.  For instance, his xFIP was 5.12.  He got by on a .238 BABIP and a very high strand rate of 80.9%.  His walk rate remained high and he didn’t miss a lot of bats.

By the time the 2023 season starts, it will have been over four years since Valdez signed, and the progress has been minimal.
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
February 6, 2019: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.