In 2011, the Pirates signed Venezuelan outfielder Elvis Escobar to a $570,000 bonus, making him one of the Pirates' top international investments that year, alongside Harold Ramirez. A quick, compact swing that produces hard line drives has made Escobar an intriguing prospect. He also has good speed and a solid arm in the outfield.
Escobar’s ability made the Pirates comfortable enough to give him an aggressive push to the GCL in 2012 at just 17 years old, and he was not over-matched at the level. However, the 2013 and 2014 seasons were a struggle. He was sent to short season A-ball in 2013 and he performed okay.