Astros acquire Christian Vázquez for Enmanuel Valdez and Wilyer Abreu.

[billy ashley]

I like Valdez, I think he's an interesting prospect who could be a major league contributor.

I don't think comparing his stats at the PCL, where he was the approximate age of other prospects in the league (the average age was likely much higher, but the prospects were probably 23/24 years of age)to Devers in a much harder league, while being significantly young for the league, tells us much.

 

[JM3]

SoSHers, the main thing I take away from Fishy's post (thanks Fishy1) is that Valdez has already spent 6 seasons in the minors and will spend at least part of a 7th season. The stats and quotes tell me he's a likely major leaguer at some time, but unlikely to ever be a star as Devers is. Do stars (players making multiple all-star appearances) usually progress through the minors by spending a year or less at each stop, so 4-5 years cumulative (or 3-4 for college players)?

There's a pretty stark difference from star prospects like Devers & run-of-the-mill prospects like Valdez. Valdez is not as naturally gifted as Devers & needs to work through things & hone his craft & it's not a particularly fair comparison. Valdez doesn't need to be Devers to be a valuable contributor, especially considering all the cost-controlled years they have on him which should be through his peak.

Guys like Trout, Harper, Machado & Soto hit the Majors when they're 19. Devers was 20, JRod was 21. But most guys aren't on that star trajectory. Valdez turned 24 on December 28th. That's a pretty good timetable. & timetables are a bit off from normal with COVID causing him to miss his age 21 season entirely. Will be interesting to see if guys like Mayer will be up by the time they're 21, or maybe 20 for a guy like Bleis.

 

[Fishy1]

Yeah, very much an arbitrary comparison on my part. Don't think Valdez will be as good as Devers - Valdez may never even be a big-leaguer. Just thought it might be interesting to compare two semi-similar bats and their relative ascents.