Rookie Power Meets Contact Crisis
Munetaka Murakami and Esmerlyn Valdez lead the rookie wRC+ leaderboard despite having the lowest zone‑contact rates in MLB, raising questions about their long‑term offensive viability.
Aug 31, 2026
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Esmerlyn Valdez
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Esmerlyn Valdez across Baseball.
Unusual Beginnings: Two Rookies Defy Contact Norms
A deep dive into the statistical anomaly of two young hitters who are excelling offensively while struggling to make contact, and what history tells us about their prospects
Aug 31, 2026
Pirates Edge Cardinals 5-4 in Thrilling Series Opener
The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium, highlighted by Esmerlyn Valdez’s two‑run homer, Jared Triolo’s 412‑foot blast and Oneil Cruz’s game‑changing steals. Braxton Ashcraft became the first Pirate to reach 14 wins since 2018, while Mason Montgomery posted his seventh save of August.
Aug 30, 2026
Pirates Edge Padres in 12‑Inning Thriller at Petco Park
The Pittsburgh Pirates rallied in the 12th inning to defeat the San Diego Padres 3‑2, highlighted by Nick Gonzales' RBI single and a dominant bullpen performance.
Aug 25, 2026
Fantasy Baseball Week 22: Busts and Overvalued Players to Drop
A look at the players whose recent setbacks and declining performance make them prime candidates for removal in fantasy leagues.
Aug 23, 2026
Pirates Fall in Ninth-Inning Thriller at Dodger Stadium
The Pirates lost 4-3 to the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, with Tarik Skubal’s early struggles giving way to a strong finish, while Oneil Cruz’s clutch hitting and a late double by Esmerlyn Valdez kept the game close.
Aug 23, 2026
Red Sox Cruise to 4-0 Victory Over Pirates Behind Gray’s Masterful Outing
Sonny Gray earned his 15th win, Wilyer Abreu homered, and the Red Sox held the Pirates scoreless after the second inning, setting up a looming showdown between Patrick Sandoval and Paul Skenes.
Aug 16, 2026
Red Sox Edge Past Pirates in Dominant 4-0 Victory
Sonny Gray’s finest performance led the Boston Red Sox to a 4-0 triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighted by Abreu’s solo homer and key contributions from several teammates.
Aug 16, 2026
Gray’s Masterful Outing Powers Red Sox Past Pirates
Sonny Gray’s career‑high 15th win and Wilyer Abreu’s solo homer fuel a 4‑0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Pirates, while key contributors shine and the rotation prepares for a rematch.
Aug 16, 2026
Pirates Stumble 4-0 Against Red Sox at PNC Park
The Pittsburgh Pirates were shut out 4-0 by the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night, with Jared Jones battling through a high‑pitch count and Sonny Gray delivering a seven‑inning performance.
Aug 16, 2026
Pirates’ Dominant 9-0 Shutout Over Mets Ends Losing Streak
The Pirates snapped a four‑game skid with a 9‑0 win over the Mets, highlighted by Chandler’s six shutout innings and a multi‑run attack that left New York scoreless.
Aug 9, 2026
Pirates Fall 3-0 to Diamondbacks in Crucial Home Clash
The Pittsburgh Pirates were shut out 3-0 by the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park, with starter Jared Jones surrendering three runs over six innings as the club slides further behind in the NL wild‑card standings.
Jul 29, 2026
Fantasy Baseball Trade Strategies: Buying Low, Selling High on Key Players
A deep dive into the trade‑deadline playbook that helps fantasy managers snag hidden value and flip overperforming assets for maximum roster impact.
Jul 29, 2026
Five Rising Stars to Watch During the All-Star Break
A look at five young players whose recent stats and versatility make them prime candidates to boost your fantasy roster over the midsummer showcase.
Jul 28, 2026
Week 17 Waiver Wire Spotlight: Key Additions and Their Impact on NFBC, Online, and Fantrax Leagues
An overview of the most impactful waiver‑wire pickups in Week 17, highlighting power‑hitting breakouts, dominant two‑start pitchers, and the players whose recent performances are reshaping fantasy baseball strategies across NFBC, Online, and Fantrax.
Jul 28, 2026
2027 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Unveiled: Top Players and Upcoming MLB Broadcasts
The latest top 450 fantasy baseball rankings reveal the players poised to dominate the 2027 season, while MLB’s return to network television promises a new era of broadcast coverage.
Jul 28, 2026
Injuries and Roster Shifts Reshape the Lineup
Spencer Steer, Cody Bellinger and Kerry Carpenter are among the latest stars placed on the IL, prompting roster moves and new opportunities for players like Marcus Semien and Grant McCray. Meanwhile, streaming pitchers Landen Roupp and Shane Drohan offer daily fantasy options.
Jul 28, 2026
All-Star Break Sets the Stage for Second-Half Breakouts
Players are leveraging the midseason pause to fine-tune performance, with standout fantasy candidates emerging across the league.
Jul 28, 2026
Fantasy Baseball’s Second‑Half Surge: Stars, Stats, and Injury Risks
A look at the players heating up after the All‑Star break, their statistical breakthroughs and the health questions that could define the next stretch of the season.
Jul 28, 2026
Late‑Season Surge: MLB Hitters Who Are Redefining the 2026 Landscape
Several hitters who struggled in the first half of the 2026 season are now posting strong metrics, offering both on‑field upside and valuable fantasy assets.
Jul 27, 2026
Pirates’ All-Star Snub Highlights Flaws in Selection Process
The Pirates will send two players to the 2026 All-Star Game, but neither can pitch, and no position player earned a spot despite a league‑leading offense.
Jul 27, 2026
Week 16 Fantasy Baseball: Buy Low, Sell High Targets
A deep dive into the most compelling trade candidates for Week 16, blending statistical nuance with roster impact.
Jul 27, 2026
Pirates’ Offense Surges from Bottom Feeders to MLB Powerhouse
The Pittsburgh Pirates have transformed from the worst offense in baseball to a league‑leading run‑scoring machine in a single season, driven by strategic acquisitions, bounce‑back performances, and breakout rookies.
Jul 27, 2026
Fantasy Baseball Outlook: 10 Bold Predictions for the Second Half
A look at the most compelling forecasts for the rest of the fantasy baseball season, from overperforming infielders to emerging arms and hidden minor‑league gems.
Jul 26, 2026