Orem, Utah —— Entering play on Tuesday night, Los Angeles Angels middle infield prospect Leonardo Rivas is slashing .308/.449/.462/.911 in 32 games for the Pioneer League‘s Orem Owlz, with six doubles, four triples, two home runs, 31 walks, and 11 stolen bases against just 20 strikeouts in 2017. I’ve watched the infielder several times so far this season in Orem; below is Baseball Census‘ full Leonardo Rivas scouting report, including video.
Leonardo Rivas Scouting Report — Video
Our video of Los Angeles Angels middle infield prospect Leonardo Rivas shows some of his at-bats this summer for the Orem Owlz in home games in the Pioneer League:
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Leonardo Rivas Scouting Report — Notes
Leonardo Rivas has a very small build at just 5’10 and 150 pounds. Offensively, he’s open-stanced in his approach at the plate and quietly closes in before his swing. The lack of weight shows a clear impact on his power. Although he’s put up a decent .462 slugging percentage so far this year, that’s in a hitter’s league and his swing path and size suggest power isn’t going to be a strong suit throughout his career. Fortunately, he makes up for it with a great eye at the plate and above-average contact skills. He has a very mature approach for a 19-year-old, and though he doesn’t generate a ton of lift he can spray line drives out of the infield and hit grounders through the hole. To supplement his hit tool, the Los Angeles Angels prospect has speed on the bases and is a constant base stealing threat.
Defensively, Leonardo Rivas shows great athleticism in the field and quick reaction time, but the main concern is his ability to consistently make throws across the diamond. The lack of strength affects his defense a bit—specifically his arm strength, accuracy, and carry from the left side of the infield—and although he’s proven serviceable to this point it’ll be a challenge going forward. Nevertheless, Rivas shows great range to both sides, and will likely see more time at second base as he moves up levels.
Leonardo Rivas Scouting Report — Projection
Leonardo Rivas is an interesting talent with a few notable raw-but-projectable tools. His natural strength will be a definite concern as he progresses through the organization, but if he can continue to add some muscle as he matures, he might end up being an intriguing prospect for the Los Angeles Angels. His long-term outlook at being a full-time position player seems slim, but becoming a dynamic, athletic utility guy coming off the bench to play across the infield in short spurts would seem like a fair projection at this point.
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