Esmerlyn Valdez named NL Rookie of the Month for July
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 10:43 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has been honored as the National League Rookie of the Month for July 2026. Valdez posted a batting line of.250/.355/.587 across 25 games, accumulating five doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and 25 RBIs. He led all MLB rookies in home runs during the month and was tied for the most RBIs with Sal Stewart of the Reds. Valdez joins fellow Pirates Paul Skenes and Ke’Bryan Hayes as recipients of this award in the last three years.
- •Valdez became the third Pirate to receive this honor this decade.
- •He led all MLB rookies in home runs in July 2026.
- •Valdez's July included 25 games played with 25 RBIs.
- •This award reflects the Pirates' focus on nurturing young players.
- 10:43 AMYahoo Sports — Pirates’ Esmerlyn Valdez named NL Rookie of the Month for July
"He becomes the third Pirate to earn the honor this decade, joining Paul Skenes (September 2024) and Ke’Bryan Hayes (September 2020).
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