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Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez Joins 4-Player Exclusive MLB History List originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Esmerlyn Valdez can't be stopped at the moment.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates' rookie outfielder hit another home run on Sunday, continuing the torrid start to his MLB career.
It was Valdez's sixth homer in his last seven games.
And going back to his debut, it's now 12 home runs through 31 games.
That makes Valdez just the fourth player in MLB history with at least 12 homers and 30-plus RBI in his first 31 games, joining Rhys Hoskins, Will Smith and Aristides Aquino.
The only players in MLB history with 12+ HR and 30+ RBI in their first 31 career games:
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) July 19, 2026
2017 Rhys Hoskins
2019 Aristides Aquino
2019 Will Smith
2026 Esmerlyn Valdez 🏴☠️
An UNBELIEVABLE start to his career! pic.twitter.com/Y4Z4pne9gS
MORE: Full list of Pirates 2026 MLB Draft picks
It's an astonishing run, the likes of which hadn't been seen for most of baseball history before these recent sluggers.
The names on that list have had varied career success after their hot starts, so it's a good reminder that nothing is guaranteed for Valdez.
But rather than putting huge long-term expectations on the rookie, it's better to take this another way.
This is a historic stretch, one rarely seen before. Each time Valdez steps to the plate, it's worth taking a second to appreciate and enjoy it.
Someday, he'll cool down, and there's no telling what kind of player he'll be from that point on.
While Valdez is shining bright like the sun, it's worth taking a good look at what he's doing, even if it's a bit blinding for the moment.
