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Valdez's Ninth-Inning HR Powers 7-1 Win, 12-HR Mark

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Esmerlyn Valdez hit a ninth-inning home run in a 7-1 win over Cleveland on July 11, 2026.
He became the fourth player to record 12 homers and 31 RBIs in his first 31 games.
Valdez posted a 1.106 OPS with 12 homers and 32 RBIs in 31 games.
Scouts compare his power potential to Aaron Judge, noting he signed as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2021 for $130,000.

History

Historical Context

In 2019 Pete Alonso hit 53 home runs for the New York Mets, breaking the rookie record previously set by Mark McGwire’s 49 in 1987 and surpassing Aaron Judge’s 52-HR rookie mark from 2017. His power surge echoed earlier milestones, such as Johnny Rizzo’s 1938 rookie home-run record for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and helped spark a league-wide emphasis on young sluggers.

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Story summary

Esmerlyn Valdez hit a ninth-inning home run in a 7-1 win over Cleveland on July 11, 2026.
He became the fourth player to record 12 homers and 31 RBIs in his first 31 games.
Valdez posted a 1.106 OPS with 12 homers and 32 RBIs in 31 games.
Scouts compare his power potential to Aaron Judge, noting he signed as a 16-year-old international free agent in 2021 for $130,000.

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