Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NYM | OF | 11 | 40 |
Grades Update: Feb 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 | 45 | 50 | 40 |
Feb 2021 Report
Evaluator: Ian Smith
Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-3
Weight: 212 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 IFA
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Big, broad shoulders with long arms that have a ton of room left for growth. Really physical frame throughout. Eloy Jimenez type body.
Hit: A known swing tinkerer, Valdez has made small adjustments to his approach multiple times since earning the Mets organization. Operation now starts out of an open stance with his hands right below his ears. Will incorporate a high leg kick while lowering his hands to his chest. He will simultaneously bring his knee to his elbow, then fire his lead leg down combined with plus bat speed. Bat path will vary between creating some natural loft and a flat, line drive approach. Will work predominantly pull side and will abuse velocity, but free swinging approach will allow breaking balls to keep him out front and roll over the ball. Grade: 40
Power: Loudest carrying tool for Valdez. Natural raw strength in the frame along with plus bat speed allow for near plus pull side power. Bat path will flash as an optimal path to power often, and allows Valdez to attack fastballs at a quality point of contact consistently. Grade: 55
Field: Will make good reads and shows enough range to handle a corner outfield spot, but a bit uncoordinated in his lower half on long routes. Shows some flexibility when attacking balls and bends well at the waist, but lack of overall athleticism will curb the profile. Grade: 45
Arm: Valdez will show a ton of raw arm strength with some accuracy, but coming with a bunch of extra effort. Will throw his entire body into throws with a substantial amount of head whack. Gets good carry on throws, and has the frame and strength to evolve into a more composed thrower. Grade: 50
Run: Does not take a long stride for his frame, and therefore does not reach top speed quickly. Will lumber down the line at times but can get some momentum on XBHs. Grade: 40
Overall: The hulking 2018 international product fits the profile of a power hitting corner outfielder to a tee. Will show big raw power in the bat and the arm, albeit coming with some serious refinement needed in both areas. Valdez had a very loud showing in his professional debut in 2019 earning the Mets DSL hitter of the year title, and will look to build on that going into the 2021 season.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Platoon
Risk: Extreme
