BALTIMORE — When the Pirates signed Edward Florentino as a global free agent in January of 2024, the projection was that 6-foot-4 teenager would finally land at a nook outfield spot or first base. That tends to be the pathway for prospects who’ve the body and a success instrument, however perhaps not as refined of a defensive recreation.
However Florentino is the kind of participant who needs a problem. He and his uncle, Junior Cline, dove into what it takes to be a middle fielder, from what routes to take to studying to be extra vocal when within the discipline. The Pirates took discover of the expansion that Florentino made within the discipline, and he ended up enjoying the vast majority of his video games at that place in 2025, making just one error on the season.
“I’ve at all times advised myself I need to be a star heart fielder, however I’ve by no means actually centered about what persons are saying about me,” Florentino stated by way of interpreter Kenny Berdejo throughout a latest journey to Bradenton, Fla. “It’s an extended highway forward to get to that place, so I’m going to remain centered.”
That focus and drive are good traits to have, particularly since chatter across the 18-year-old outfielder is probably going going to get louder within the coming years. The Pirates’ No. 5 prospect, in line with MLB Pipeline, had fairly the 2025 marketing campaign, slashing .290/.400/.548 with 16 dwelling runs and 35 stolen bases over 83 video games between the Florida Complicated League and Single-A Bradenton.
That efficiency propelled him to crack MLB Pipeline’s Prime 100 prospect checklist, presently sitting at No. 99. The best way issues are going, he might very effectively proceed to rise the ranks.
The general numbers are nice. The peripherals are arguably even higher. He hit the ball laborious (89 mph common exit velocity on tracked balls with Bradenton) and had the bottom whiff price (16.3%) and chase price (12%) on the Marauders.
“He’s in all probability probably the most balanced 18-year-old hitter I’ve ever seen,” Marauders supervisor Jim Horner stated. “You simply don’t see him get out of whack. … Even his swing, it’s very balanced by means of the zone. It’s enjoyable to look at.”
The Florida State League took discover shortly this season. Florentino was named the League’s Participant of the Month in July, which is much more spectacular contemplating he was solely promoted to that degree on June 21.
“Whenever you do one thing like that, you are feeling nice as a result of you may see the progress between the method,” Florentino stated in English.
Pirates Minor League coaches began having their eyes opened final 12 months when he made the journey to Pirate Metropolis. Hitting improvement coordinator Jonathan Johnston shortly began getting glowing critiques about him final 12 months, starting from the elements of his swing that appeared pure to the questions he was asking to attempt to enhance.
“He was simply persevering with to develop,” Johnston stated. “He’s one other man that learns tremendous quick and continues to ask questions, and good questions concerning the pitcher, the method and [makes it] very clear what he must do to have the ability to progress.”
The best way Horner sees it, Florentino simply wants video games and time. That’s greater than comprehensible for a participant who is barely 18 years outdated. A few of that’s to offer him extra time to develop into his body and get stronger, however Horner feels the sport will proceed to point out him the place he must develop. Primarily based on his maturity, Horner thinks he’ll do exactly that.
“It’s going to be enjoyable to look at him develop. He’s someone that everyone ought to take note of within the Pirates group simply because…” Horner stated, in search of the right phrases, “simply because. It’s the leverage, the stability, the power to acknowledge pitches. I’ve seen him hit breaking balls. I’ve seen him hit fastballs. I’ve seen him hit good fastballs. I’ve seen him hit not-so-good fastballs. I’ve seen him hit changeups. I’ve seen him hit just about the whole lot.”
Not dangerous in any respect for a young person, huh?
“It’s unbelievable,” Horner answered.
