Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mid | CIN | SS/3B | TBD | 50 |
Grades Update: Aug 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 40 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 60 |
Aug 2021 Report
Evaluator: Joe Drake
Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 150 lbs
Hits/Throws: B/R
Acquired: 2018 IFA
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: XL frame that is bigger than the listed numbers. Looks similar to Oneil Cruz. Long, lean body with long limbs, high waist, and broad shoulders. Tons of projection. Twitchy athlete; very well coordinated for age and size.
Hit: Switch hitter. Right: upright stance with busy hands set at chin. Average base; loads with leg lift that can hang at times; hands slide down and back. Left: very similar with quieter hands pre-load. Quick bat; better contact skills from the right side, but more lift and pop from the left - looks more natural. Very aggressive approach; there is some feel for the zone, but swings at just about everything he can get the bat on. Bat to ball skills are fringe, but doesn’t need to square ball up to do damage due to power and speed. Has the legs to beat out infield hits. Gap from present to future, but has tools to get there. Grade: 40
Power: Big raw power that’s showing in games already with many 100+ MPH exit velocities and topping out near 110 already. Raw is plus now with potential for double-plus at maturity. Will need to refine approach and learn to lift ball to maximize in games. Great speed will stretch balls in the gap for extra bases regularly. Grade: 55
Field: Smooth defender with fluid, natural actions at both short and 3rd. Makes everything look easy. Soft hands. Good first step and good instincts; always seems to be in position to make the play. Able to play short now, but could outgrow the position when body matures; likely slides to 3rd. Plenty of arm for 3B or RF if necessary, but actions are plenty good enough to stay on dirt. Confident and poised defender. Grade: 55
Arm: Strong arm with good utility. Able to make firm, accurate throws from multiple angles and on the move. Very good internal clock. Grade: 55
Run: Great athlete with long strides. Clocked multiple plus run times peaking at double-plus (4.11 from the right side). Likely to lose a step or two as the body fills out, but should settle in around plus. A legitimate threat on the bases. Grade: 60
Overall: Tremendous athlete with big raw power, great speed and smooth glove. De La Cruz burst onto the scene after dominating complex ball, showing impact tools in nearly all facets of the game. The ceiling is an All-Star caliber player should everything come together, but the floor is an up and down guy due to the volatility of the hit tool.
OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Player
Risk: Extreme
ETA: 2024
