The Gary SouthShore RailCats have acquired former Los Angeles Angels prospect Francisco Del Valle in a trade with the New York Boulders of the Frontier League.
Del Valle, 24, was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 14th round of the 2016 June MLB Amateur Draft. He spent six seasons playing in their farm system progressing from the AZL Angels (Rookie) to the Tri-City Dust Devils (High-A). During that span batted .219 with 27 home runs and 155 runs batted in.
In 2022 the outfielder split time between Tri-City and New York. With the Dust Devils he played in 26 games and recorded 21 hits. He was released on May 25, 2022, and signed with the Boulders a week later on June 2, 2022. In 64 games with the Boulders, he slashed .299/.385/.480. He finished the season with seven home runs, 19 doubles, and 42 runs batted in.
“Francisco comes to the Cats family with six years of experience in the Los Angeles Angels organization,” said RailCats manager Lamarr Rogers. “He’s still only 24 years old and last year appears to be his breakthrough season as he showed consistency at the plate and a good ability to get on base. It’s my hopes he continues this upward career path providing a steady presence to both our lineup offensively and outfield defensively.”
A native of Puerto Rico, he was drafted out of the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy. Additionally, he has spent three seasons playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League. This winter he has played for his hometown team Leones de Ponce.
The RailCats 2023 season begins at the Steel Yard on Thursday, May 11 vs Winnipeg Goldeyes. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2023 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing info@railcatsbaseball.com.
