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Pirates Rookies Are Stepping Up at the Perfect Time
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Esmerlyn Valdez and Tyler Callihan are giving the Pirates exactly what they need while Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz are sidelined. Alex Stumpf breaks down the power both young hitters have shown, what stands out about their swings and why Pittsburgh’s depth finally looks different from a year ago.
Ryan O’Hearn’s two-homer performance helped the Pirates avoid a sweep, but the bigger long-term question is whether Valdez and Callihan can turn this opportunity into permanent roles. With Horwitz and Cruz expected back in July, the next few weeks could reshape the Pirates’ outfield and bench.
Chapters:
00:00 The rookie production Pittsburgh lacked in 2025
01:09 Valdez, Callihan and O’Hearn power the Pirates
03:25 What stands out about Callihan’s swing
05:13 Why Valdez’s early power is encouraging
09:40 Injuries create a major opportunity
Read Alex Stumpf’s Book Rule Bucs:
bookrulebucs.substack.com
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