Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | HOU | SS | 1 | 50 |
Grades Update: Jan 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 50 | 45 | 60 | 55 | 60 |
Jan 2021 Report
Evaluator: Geoff Pontes
Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-0
Weight: 202 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Draft, Round 3
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: Extremely athletic build, with a high waist, muscular quads and a strong core. Pena has a perfect major league body and one that should hold up well to the rigors of the game long term.
Hit: Sets up square at the plate, with a classic approach. Hands set below shoulder, slight bend at knees and waist, front toe slightly open toward pitcher but it's an acute alteration. Slight leg lift trigger mechanism, slight crouch in load, as he drops his shoulder and contracts pre-swing. Patience hitter, takes a high number of pitches per at bat. Despite this he avoids passivity, and has kept his walk rates and swinging strikes rates at above average levels. Grade: 50
Power: Has made strides in this regard throughout his first few seasons of professional ball, culminating in a strong showing this winter in LIDOM. It's likely never to play average or better in game, but Pena can punish mistakes and drive balls with authority to the gaps. His ability to do this without selling out for power makes him a promising offensive player. Some natural loft in his swing and improving hard contact quality. Grade: 45
Field: Elite defender with a long term future at shortstop. Could be a plus defender anywhere in the infield. Quick first step smooth and natural infield actions, with soft hands to match. Moves wel to both his left and his right with the ability to control his body and get into good throwing position. Arguably the best defender in the Houston system at the moment. Grade: 60
Arm: Above average arm with good on-line zip and carry. Will rush threw his mechanics at times and overthrow his intended target but it's rare. Overall good throws on tough plays and takes the extra second on the easy ones. Grade: 55
Run: Above average home to first times with the ability to utilize his speed on the base paths. He's an adept base stealer but has a tendency to be a little over zealous, leading to a higher caught stealing rate that his ability dictates. Rangy at shortstop and quick reaction and twitch shine through in all parts of his game. Grade: 60
Overall: Arguably one of the more underrated prospects in the minors. Pena brings to the table a true everyday defensive shortstop profile with a varied offensive skillset. As he's continued to progress as a hitter his in-game power has begun to translate with very little impact on his contact skills. The numbers support this, as his flyball and pull rates jumped, his contract rates and infield flyball rates actually improved. Meaning he was making harder more quality airborne contact at a higher rate. All elements of a square hitting approach and potential success at the next level. A four-tool player at a premium defensive position, Pena making gains in the power department, his weakest tool, could potentially push him into star territory.
OFP: 50
Role: 50 - Average Everyday Regular
Risk: Moderate
