Luis Alejandro Basabe, INF, Arizona Diamondbacks

Versatile switch-hitter and flexible middle infield-type acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Brad Ziegler trade with the Boston Red Sox. Switch hitter, but liked him a lot more from the left side in my late May look; better balance there with more consistent ability to get the ball in the air with some authority; few line drives with a little bit of bat speed and barrel control there, too; reminds me of a slightly more offensively-gifted version of Sergio Alcantara. Advanced approach at the plate, especially for his age relative to level; good feel for the barrel and strong hands/wrists to manipulate some at contact, though very little raw power at present or likely future … 4.19 up the line, 4.54 on the turn, and 8.08 on a stand-up double, all from the LHH box; decent foot speed on the bases which translates into better lateral quickness in the infield. Moves well defensively, particularly in and to his backhand; made a couple very nice plays with good, difficult throws on the run in my look. Soft hands, quick exchange, quick release; raw arm strength is OK, accuracy is above-average. Some work to come to improve consistency, but tools are there; reps and execution will continue to come. Luis Alejandro Basabe looks the part of a natural everyday second baseman at ceiling, with a likely utility man role ahead should he fall short of that. Nice to see the bat is really starting to come through this season; if that continues, he’ll force the Arizona Diamondbacks hand sooner rather than later.

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