(Gary, Indiana) The Gary SouthShore RailCats officially announced that they have signed right-handed pitcher Peyton Long, and outfielder Francisco Del Valle to deals.
Long is 26 years old and from West Des Moines, Iowa; he attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, and was a standout for the Eagles. In his senior season, he made 15 starts, struck out 115 hitters, and threw a pair of complete-game shutouts.
The Milwaukee Brewers noticed him and selected him in the 30th round of the 2019 draft. He was used as a reliever with Milwaukee, and in 2023, he was with the Rocky Mountain Vibes in the Pioneer League. He returned to the starting role, logged 99.2 innings, struck out 67, and threw a complete game.
“Peyton joins our Cats pitching staff after posting an impressive 9-4 winning record in the Pioneer League last season as a starter.” RailCats Manager Lamarr Rogers said. “He’s a big, bodied firm arm who comes across from conversation motivated to show he belongs and deserves another opportunity in affiliated ball. His career-winning aptitude is a plus and a welcomed addition to the team.“
Del Valle is a left-handed hitting outfielder who was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. The 25-year-old began his professional career in 2016 with the Halos, hitting 27 doubles in one season in A-ball.
After a season in the Frontier League, the lefty put on a RailCats uniform for the first-time last year. Del Valle became a mainstay in the lineup, participating in 97 games, batting a .271 average, and leading the team in home runs.
“Francisco returns after displaying a strong showing for our Cats team in 2023. I’ll be looking for him to build on the last month of last season when he was one of the most consistent overall hitters in the American Association,” Rogers said. He’s a calm and confident player and a great teammate who has a plus upside of things to come.
The RailCats 2024 season begins at the Steel Yard on Friday, May 17 vs Lake Country. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2024 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing mailto:[email protected]