The Cubs traded reliever James Norwood to the Padres today in exchange for 6-foot-8 right-handed reliever Dauris Valdez.
Valdez is 25-years-old and from the Dominican Republic. Over his career in the minors, Valdez has thrown 199.1 innings and struck 245 batters with an ERA of 3.97. A former starter, Valdez has been strictly a reliever since 2018.
Here is what 20/80 Baseball said about his arsenal:
Valdez’ fastball is about as big as he is, coming in at a lively 96-to-98 mph. It rides up in the zone and features late tailing action when he hits a spot in the lower third. There’s natural angle from his height, and despite extreme tilt to clear an efforty 3/4’s arm slot, the downhill action makes it tough for hitters to square. The command is below average, without the athleticism to hint at much change for progression–his fastball projects to play as a 55-grade future pitch despite his 70-grade raw velocity. A 81-to-84 mph slider shows the signs of being an out pitch, and Valdez has a good feel to throw it both early and late in counts. He can steal a surprise strike with the breaking ball or snap off a wipeout pitch down and out of the zone for a strikeout when he gets to two strikes.
He has been known for his bouts of wildness as he has just a 2 to 1 K?BB ratio. He will, more than likely, be at AAA to begin the year.
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