Nov 2020 Report
Evaluator: Joe Doyle
Age: 23 yr
Height: 5-10
Weight: 205 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2016 Draft - Round 2
RuleV: Eligible
Physical Description: Compact and sturdy, Rizzo carries the frame of a catcher with a barrel chest, big hands, and strong forearms. His stout frame has appeared filled out since high school, but he is still converting more weight into lean muscle each year. The concern, though, is that continuing to pack on muscle may result in further loss of flexibility and agility (which Rizzo can't afford to lose if he wants to stick anywhere but first base).
Hit: Rizzo's loudest tool is the short, left handed stroke that carries his profile. His swing has undergone adjustments over the last two years, eliminating and then adding a stride, closing and opening the stance, lowering and then raising his hands, all in an attempt to locate that balance of contact and power that would allow him to reach his second round ceiling. While the swing has fluctuated and continues to undergo adjustments (another swing change in 2020 will debut in ‘21) Rizzo has never truly lost his above average bat-to-ball skills owed to his quick wrists, strong forearms, and excellent hand-eye-coordination. He has a solid idea of the strike zone which puts him in favorable counts and allows him to spray low line drives across the diamond. Grade: 50
Power: Despite his positional profile and several swing adjustments, Rizzo has never shown above average, or even average, pop as a pro. His compact swing is built for contact and low line drives. Thus far, blasting balls over the fence with regularity has remained unchecked on Rizzo's wish list. He did reach double digit home runs in ‘19 and will shoot the gaps, but his exit velocities don't scream "untapped, corner infield power." Rumor has it Rizzo has added significant muscle in the offseason and adjusted his bat path once more, but we have yet to see if that will unlock the necessary loft and velocity to profile for corner power without sacrificing his ability to make contact. Grade: 40
Field: Rizzo's defense has been in question since the day he was drafted, lacking the natural athleticism and range for the middle of the diamond and without the frame to profile for third. As a pro he's received looks at third, first, and second, but his best position is still lining up on the left side of the plate. He has soft, quick hands, smooth transfers, and has improved at third the last two years, handling in-between hops and charging balls with more confidence. But his limited range, slow footwork, and average athleticism indicate he will never be an above average defender. There's not much upside to uncover defensively, and Rizzo will likely profile as a defensively below average infield utility player, average at first, or fringe average in the hot corner. Grade: 45
Arm: Short arm motion from a 3/4 slot, Rizzo doesn't have a cannon but he can make all the routine throws from third. He gets good carry and has improved his accuracy through improved footwork. It's an arm that could play in left with some adjustments, but current motions are ideal for infield. Grade: 50
Run: Rizzo is an instinctual runner, but a below average one (and not a pretty one). Choppy, top-heavy, and high effort, Rizzo lacks natural burst to beat out grounders or steal bases. He has great instincts on the bases and avoids mistakes but is teetering on being slapped with the "lumbering" label. Grade: 40
Overall: Joe Rizzo is lost in the shuffle of Seattle's big name prospects and is sliding precariously down the defensive spectrum while his bat has yet to deliver above average production--a damning prognosis. But Rizzo is still only 22, has shown the ability to make adjustments, and has the drive and work ethic to transform his profile in an offseason. There's a chance Rizzo unlocks nascent power while retaining his feel to hit through one crucial swing change. The issue, though, is that Rizzo is now relying on a big step forward to save him from dropping fully off the organization's radar. This year will be critical for Rizzo to prove that he can carve out space for himself on a major league diamond.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up/Down Emergency Depth
Risk: Moderate
