Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | LAD | SS | 32 | 40 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 45 | 55 | 40 | 60 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Geoff Pontes
Age: 21 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2015 IFA
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: An average frame with an immature build, plenty of positive projection remains in the frame. Athletic build with strength already present in lower half. Frame should require minimal maintenance with a strong foundation to add muscle.
Hit: Sets up very slightly open to the pitcher with a deep bend in his legs. Starts with the bat resting on his shoulder with an elevated hand position. Pre-swing he gets deep into his back hip transitioning weight from an exaggerated leg lift trigger mechanism. Sets into a rotational swing with a sloping path that limits his plate coverage. Pulls off heavily on his swings and misses, timing can be a bit of a mess. There are some qualities that hint toward future potential, specifically his above average bat speed and on base skills. The last time we saw Valera he was a 19-20 year old getting his first taste of full-season ball. While his extreme swing and miss is not likely to disappear entirely, he has shown strong on base skills early in his career, leaving some hope for a more refined approach from Valera in 2021. Grade: 40
Power: Lacks loft in his swing to drive the ball at this point, greater than 50% groundball profile, with mechanical flaws that sap away from raw power. Below average distance on his fly balls and he hits very few. It's not 20 power as he does show some projection for future below average in game power due to his bat speed. It's above average raw power in batting practice, so there's definitely power projection. Instructional league reports point to improved power playing in game versus more advanced competition. It's fringe average for now with possible average or better projection. Grade: 45
Field: Sure handed and flashy at times playing the six. Has the hands, first step, and actions for short but his arm while accurate is strong enough for the positions most demanding throws. The glove itself is above average and capable of manning shortstop long term. Should his lack of arm strength move him to second base he projects as above average there. Grade: 55
Arm: Below average arm for shortstop, accurate and on target more often than most but struggles to get the zip needed for the throws deep in the hole at short or offset to the third base side. Likely enough arm to handle second base long term. Grade: 40
Run: Above average to fringe plus runner. Outperforms speed as a base runner, extremely aggressive and effective base stealer. Stole 27 bases and was caught only five times in 2019. Shows excellent reads and jumps. His base running is a weapon. While his run times flirt with plus his instincts on the bases and ability to translate his speed in the running game pushes the grade to plus. Grade: 60
Overall: At the moment Valera's game is predicated on his slick glove and base running, but there's projection in the power tool and some hope that he can bump his hit to a 45 with more exposure. We're conservative with prospects like Valera due to the high rate of failure when gambling on hit tools improving a full grade. Without an improvement in plate profile Valera is teetering between a utility role and an up/down emergency role. For now he's a player to keep an eye on should production jump in 2021.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below Average Player - Bench/Utility
Risk: Extreme
