PIT
Oswald Peraza, IF
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Scouting report
Last year, Peraza emerged from a group of prospects I had initially evaluated as likely utility or second division regular types. He added strength to a contact/defense foundation and his exit velocities moved very close to major league average, which was impressive for a 19-year-old. Peraza got some reps early during big league spring training before heading home for the summer. He then played sparingly for Cardenales de Lara in the Venezuelan Winter League. There he showed a modified stance and hand set-up, but he played so little that it's hard to say how it might impact his quality of contact without more looks and/or data to support it. I do think he'd benefit from taking a longer stride, though. Either way, this is a contact-oriented shortstop who'll likely be an above-average defender, maybe better than that. I have conviction in the hit tool due to Peraza's curt, short swing, his visible barrel control and his track record of hitting as a young-for-the-level player so far. He may only ever hit for doubles power but on a good-gloved shortstop, that's an everyday player. (Venezuelan Winter League)