North Shore Nine

Esmerlyn Valdez is officially getting his first shot in Pittsburgh, and the timing makes a lot of sense. With the Pirates needing more offense and opportunity opening up at first base, DH, and the outfield, Valdez brings real right-handed power and upside to a lineup that could use both. On today’s OffBeat, Alex Stumpf breaks down the promotion, where Valdez fits, and why this aggressive youth movement is worth watching. Watch or listen now.