Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | TB | OF | 23 | 45 |
Grades Update: Aug 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 40 | 40 | 55 | 45 | 55 | 45 |
Aug 2021 Report
Evaluator: Justin Lada
Age: 23 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Round 16
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: Tall, physical frame. Strong build in upper body but plenty of strength throughout. Moderately long limbed. Solid corner outfielder's build. At physical peak most likely. Had a back issue in college that sapped some power and athleticism. Average athleticism. Lacks explosiveness.
Hit: Slightly open stance with bent knees and straight torso. Holds hands away from hands above knee. Uses a big, stiff leg kick without a long stride. Vertical barrel and quick hands works barrel around quickly into the hitting zone. Above average bat speed. Generates strong exit velocities. Aggressive approach and takes hard cuts. Susceptible to velocity on inner half and breaking balls down and away. Bat path tends to be middle of the zone. Grade: 40
Power: Has the bat speed, ability to generate loft and strength for above average raw power. Swing and miss will get in the way of getting to all his power in games. Grade: 55
Field: Speed gives him enough range to cover ground in the corners to be average in both spots. Route running is inconsistent and needs work. Speed and an average first step allow him to moonlight in center. Better fit in a corner. Grade: 45
Arm: More than enough carry on throws from right field. Gets behind throws. Will occasionally sail high on him and overthrows. Plus raw arm strength. Grade: 55
Run: 4.35-4.40 home-to first time. Takes long strides. Average underway. Not explosive out of the box. Average first step on steals. Not likely to be a threat on the bases long term. Grade: 45
Overall: Cardenas is a bat first corner who looks to get the ball in the air. He takes hard cuts when he sees a pitch he thinks he can drive. Before Cleveland traded him to Tampa Bay, he posted some of the best exit velocities on Cleveland's then Low-A squad. His quick hands, strength and bat speed give him above average raw power. Has some swing and miss issues, especially against fastballs inside and breaking balls away. Power and a good arm give him a chance to profile in a corner as a platoon bat against left handers and he can spell someone in centerfield in a pinch, but his arm is his best defensive asset.
OFP: 45
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench or Platoon
Risk: High
