Enmanuel Valdez #47 of the Boston Red Sox
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a notable move on Sunday, acquiring infielder/outfielder Enmanuel Valdez from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league pitching prospect Joe Vogatsky. This trade, while seemingly low-risk, brings a solid mix of versatility and potential power to the Pirates’ roster as they continue to build their future.
Who is Enmanuel Valdez?
Enmanuel Valdez, 25, is a player known for his ability to play multiple positions across the diamond. Last season, he appeared in 76 games with the Red Sox, posting a .214 batting average with six home runs and 28 RBIs. While those numbers might not jump off the page, his versatility makes him an intriguing addition for the Pirates.
Valdez made 65 appearances at second base for Boston in 2023, including 56 starts. In addition to his work at second, he also logged appearances at third base (three appearances, one start) and even in left field (one appearance). This flexibility gives Pirates manager Derek Shelton a valuable utility option, something the team has lacked in recent years. Valdez has a career .235 batting average, with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 125 games, providing solid, albeit inconsistent, offensive contributions.
What Does Valdez Bring to the Pirates?
For Pittsburgh, this trade signals a desire to add depth and flexibility to their roster without making a major commitment. Valdez’s ability to play several infield and outfield positions could allow the Pirates to experiment with different lineup combinations. His potential to hit for power, as seen with his 12 home runs across his career, could give Pittsburgh an extra boost as they look to find stability in their everyday lineup.
Given his relative youth at 25, Valdez also carries upside. He will likely compete for a spot on the Pirates’ roster in 2024, potentially securing a utility role or, if he performs well, earning a more regular position in the infield. It’s also possible that he could serve as a valuable trade piece down the line if the Pirates are still in a rebuilding phase and looking to maximize assets.
What Did the Pirates Give Up?
In return, the Pirates sent Joe Vogatsky, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher, to Boston. Vogatsky was selected by the Pirates in the 19th round of the 2024 MLB draft and has spent four seasons at James Madison University. Over his college career, Vogatsky posted a 9-9 record with a 5.24 ERA and 14 saves in 68 appearances (seven starts). While Vogatsky certainly shows promise, he is still a raw prospect, and giving him up for a player with major league experience is a reasonable move by Pittsburgh, especially given that Valdez is only 25.
This trade does not represent a major loss for the Pirates, as Vogatsky was a late-round pick and still has a lot to prove in the professional ranks. However, his potential as a future bullpen arm for the Red Sox could pay off for Boston in the long run.
Looking Ahead
For the Pirates, this move fits within their broader strategy of acquiring low-cost, high-upside players who can contribute either on the field or as trade assets. With Valdez, they get a player who could serve as a reliable utility option, providing depth while still having some untapped potential at the plate. For the Red Sox, adding Vogatsky gives them a young arm to develop, potentially adding to their pitching depth in the coming years.
As the off-season rolls on, the Pirates continue to make small but strategic moves as they aim to build a competitive roster for the future. Whether Valdez becomes a key contributor or simply a stopgap option, this trade is a reminder that every acquisition plays a role in shaping the team’s long-term outlook.
