Despite signing in his second year of eligibility, which is uncommon (though not unheard of) for blue chip international prospects, the Astros’ acquisition of Luis Baez came with a lot of fanfare. What the then 18 year old lacked in projection (he was already over 200 pounds at 6’2”), he made up for with present juice, packing some of the best pure pop in his class, along with a plus arm, giving him the look of a prototypical right fielder. Scouts were split on his contact ability, and the lack of projection gave some pause, but many a future everyday corner outfielder came from a similar athletic profile.
2022 IFA Prize Baez off to Hot Stateside Start
