As the 2025 MLB regular season slowly winds down, the Pittsburgh Pirates are beginning to look at the future of the organization. Luckily for the struggling ball club, one prospect continues to shine throughout his journey in the minor leagues.
According to MLB.com, Pirates star outfielder/first base prospect Edward Florentino has officially been named a top 100 prospect in the minor league on Tuesday.
Florentino, who was acquired during 2024 international signing period, has been dominating with the Single-A Bradenton Marauders this season. In his 52 games with the ball club this year, the 18-year-old talent is batting .265 with 10 home runs and a OPS of .897. In addition to his elite numbers at the plate, Florentino is a threat on the base paths, stealing 29 bases this season.
With Florentino now cracking the top 100 prospects, he now becomes the fifth prospect to be recognized on the list, as well as the second hitter to be part of the group alongside Konnor Griffin.
Why Fans Should Be Excited About Florentino
For a team that lacks firepower in their offense at the MLB level, a talented player like Florentino is a perfect prospect for Pittsburgh's future lineups.
At 6-foot-4, 200 lbs, the highly-rated prospect has a rare combination of size, speed and power for a first basemen or corner outfielder. Before making the jump to Single-A, Florentino batted .347 with six home runs in 29 games at the rookie-ball level, demonstrating his advanced skillset for a young prospect. And despite his slight dip in production since making the jump to Bradenton, but Florentino continues to maintain a steady strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2025.
Unfortunately for Pirates fans, Florentino is projected to make his MLB debut in 2029. But if he continues to improve and gain more experience at the minor-league level, Florentino could easily become a high-level bat in the future. Pittsburgh's entire system, including the MLB roster, features multiple first basemen, which allows the organization to be patient with his development. Spencer Horwitz is batting .257 this season with 19 doubles and seven home runs, while 2025 ninth-round pick Jared Jones is beginning to find his place with the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers.