Former Goldpanner Rafael Flores Called Up to Majors with Pirates

Kirk Chavez - Daily News-Miner

Rafael Flores became the 203rd former Alaska Goldpanner to reach the major leagues after being called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday afternoon.

The catcher and first baseman is ranked as the organization's eighth overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. He joined the Pirates following a strong season split in the minor leagues.

"Crazy, I'm on two hours of sleep, but we're here and it's awesome," Flores told Pittsburgh Baseball Now. "The place is amazing. First time in here [Pittsburgh], and I'm all smiles right now. It's great."

Flores's connection to Fairbanks dates back to 2022, when he arrived from Rio Hondo Junior College in Southern California. He appeared in just 28 games that summer before signing with the New York Yankees as a free agent in mid-July. Flores left his mark on the Goldpanners' lineup, batting .347 while leading the team with 36 RBIs.

"I'm so happy for Rafy," Goldpanners general manager John Lohrke said. "He had such a great summer for us before he signed with the Yankees. He could really swing the bat and has lots of power. It's just so great that he's getting his opportunity with the Pirates. The entire Goldpanners family is so excited for him."

Flores steadily worked his way through the Yankees' system. His 2024 campaign with the Somerset Patriots, their Double-A affiliate, was a breakout season in which he finished among the team leaders in home runs, doubles, runs scored, and RBIs. That performance helped elevate his profile and set the stage for a trade this past July, when Pittsburgh acquired him in the deal that sent reliever David Bednar to New York.

"Getting traded definitely was a little weird, it's something you're not really taught to do," Flores said. "We got rain-delayed and the game was canceled, I was marinating in all that stuff. Once it all happens, it's a sigh of relief and you kind of know where you're going. It was a crazy day but we got through it and we're here now so that's all that matters."

Flores kept producing in the Pirates' system. In 36 games with Triple-A Indianapolis, he hit .281 with six home runs, 28 RBIs and an .822 OPS.

Combined across Double-A, Triple-A and Indianapolis this year, he set career highs in hits (142), homers (22) and RBIs (88). His production earned him a September promotion to the majors as Pittsburgh evaluates its young talent down the stretch.

Flores added that his focus remains on the bigger picture. "It's not just about results. I want to go out there, learn, get better every day and prepare myself for a career that's hopefully going to last a long time."