BRISTOL, VA - The Pirates have been building up their shortstop depth in the last few drafts. They took Cole Tucker in the first round in 2014, and Kevin Newman in the first round in 2015. They took Stephen Alemais in the third round this year, adding a strong defensive option behind the two recent first round picks. But before all of those guys joined the system, they made Adrian Valerio their biggest signing of the 2013 international signing period, giving the shortstop a $400,000 bonus.
Since he was signed, Valerio has received high reviews for his defensive abilities.