Pittsburgh Pirates' Edward Florentino Shines in Florida Coast League

Bradenton, Florida, USA - Edward Florentino, an 18-year-old outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is making waves this season in the Florida Coast League (FCL). Bucs Dugout reports that the talented young athlete was signed to a Minor League contract during the international signing period last winter and has quickly progressed through the ranks. After starting his journey with the Summer team in the Dominican Republic, he joined the FCL at the beginning of 2025. It’s quite a change of scenery, but he’s been handling it like a pro.

Florentino initially made his season debut at first base, but he has already showcased his versatility by taking on all three outfield positions. Standing tall at 6’4″ and weighing 200 pounds, there’s a lot of potential for him to fill out even further as he matures. Coaches are optimistic about his future, with expectations that he might settle into a corner outfield position or first base, although he has shown flashes of promise in centerfield too.

Rising Performance

After a rocky start, Florentino has turned things around impressively. He managed to strike out just once in his last nine games, tallying a remarkable 13 hits in this stretch. Mid-June saw him blossom even further, earning the title of Player of the Week after recording 8 hits, hitting 1 home run, and driving in 6 runs—all while boasting a remarkable batting average of .471. These performances have contributed to a stellar season line of .347/.442/.642, giving him an OPS of 1.084 across 29 games with the FCL Pirates.

In total, Florentino has amassed 33 hits, 6 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases during his time with the FCL. His impressive numbers have not gone unnoticed; on June 21, 2025, his contract was picked up by the Bradenton Marauders, where he is set to finish the season. A strong showing with the Marauders could very well see him making the leap to High-A in 2026.

Minor League Context

Looking at the broader picture, it’s fascinating to see how Florentino fits within the Pirates’ dynamic minor league system. As of late June, the Pirates‘ top performing prospects have been highlighted extensively. MLB.com elaborates on various players, from the likes of Bubba Chandler in Triple-A Indianapolis to Hunter Barco in Double-A Altoona. Each of these prospects has been carving their niche, making this an exciting time for the Pirates’ fan base.

In Low-A Bradenton, Konnor Griffin has also been turning heads. With a batting average of .337 and 34 stolen bases, his recent promotion to Greensboro underscores the talent bubbling up through the Pirates‘ system. Florentino’s recent transfer to Bradenton aligns well with this wave of promising talent, fostering an environment that inspires growth and competition.

As the season progresses, Florentino’s journey serves as both a testament to his skill and the Pirates‘ commitment to developing young talents. With his current placement as the Pirates‘ 23rd overall prospect, fans have every reason to keep an eye on this young player’s career in the making. It looks like the baseball world just might hear a lot more about Edward Florentino in the years to come.