Most of what was written about Fernando Cruz also applied to Derniche Valdez. Derniche Valdez was the 2023 Cubs' big IFA splash, signing for $2.8m and finding his way to the DSL Cubs. While Valdez also struggled with strikeouts, he showed off the power potential, hitting six home runs as a 17-year-old and earning his way to Arizona in 2024. Sadly for Valdez, I don't think the 2024 season went how he hoped it'd have gone. 

The shortstop started the year on the restricted list, which delayed his debut in the Arizona Complex League. When he finally got going in May, he quickly suffered an undisclosed injury, which knocked him out until July. Overall, the powerful hitter only saw action in 17 official games and had under 70 PAs, making it very difficult to evaluate the season other than to consider it a lost year and to hope for a more consistent and normal year in 2025. Valdez may still start 2025 in the ACL but could also see time in Myrtle Beach. Getting the most out of his power will be a point of emphasis for the former IFA prize. But much like with Cruz...just be patient - there's a pretty good foundation for a player here.