Fansided · Oct 18, 2025
Baseball America’s take on toughest Pirates Rule 5 Draft decision got it wrong
2025 Arizona Fall League | Chris Coduto/GettyImagesWith the regular season over, many teams are forced to look ahead to what the offseason will hold. One of the most significant events of the offseason is the Rule 5 Draft, which takes place during the Winter Meetings. Prior to the draft, teams must protect players with four or five years of minor-league experience (depending on the age at which they signed) from the draft by adding them to their 40-man roster. One of Baseball America's newest articles looks at the toughest upcoming decision for each team. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, they listed outfielder/first baseman Esmerlyn Valdez. However, they couldn't have gotten it more wrong.