Next week, when the calendar has flipped to 2017, we will begin the process of voting on our new Community Prospect List. In the meantime, though, let’s consider the newest addition to Oakland A’s farm system, Cuban pitcher Norge Ruiz, and where he might ultimately fit into the rankings.
First, the quick facts. Ruiz is a right-hander, age 23 next season. He signed for $2 million, which is a sizable bonus on its own, but the A’s had to spend a total of $4 million to get him. MLB Pipeline offers this scouting report:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Splitter: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Ruiz will reach 94 mph with his fastball and comfortably sits in the 90-92 mph range, and he's adept at generating considerable late movement on the pitch thanks to his varying arm angels.