TigsTown Scouting Report #5: IF Isaac Paredes
Paredes is an impressive hitter at the plate and could be knocking on the big league door very soon.
Isaac Paredes (Photo Credit: Paul Wezner/TigsTown.com)
Vitals
Position: Infield
Date of Birth: 2/18/1999 (Opening Day 2020: 21)
Height/Weight: 5’11”/225 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Acquired: International Free Agent (Chicago Cubs), July 2015; Trade for Justin Wilson (LHP) and Alex Avila (C), July 2017
Scouting Report
The Good: Paredes is a bat-first prospect with a chance for two above-average tools on the offensive side of the ball. He has an exceptional understanding of the strike zone and tracks spin well – not just for his age, but when put against any prospect at any level. His discipline and approach in the box gives him a chance to make the most of his natural bat-to-ball ability and become an above-average hitter. There’s some ability to drive the ball to the pull side, but he doesn’t put a charge in the ball often enough to project beyond average power in game situations. His arm is above-average and can play around the infield.
The Bad: Paredes body gives evaluators pause. He’s likely a little shorter than his listed height and thick through the middle and lower half. His speed and range are below-average as a result and he needs to slide off shortstop permanently. He reads the ball well enough, shows positive reaction time, and has good hands, lending to a potential fit at third base if he’s willing to put in the work. There’s a chance the power never fully manifests and he’s left with a somewhat empty offensive profile.
Risk: There’s limited wiggle room in Paredes’ overall profile. As he moves down the defensive spectrum the power will need to arrive in games more consistently. If the bat doesn’t fully develop, he’s left as a bit of a tweener with no carrying tool at the Major League level.
Projection: Paredes will get plenty of exposure to advanced arms in Triple-A this year where his bat will be put to the test. He’s likely to be up for the challenge with the bigger issue being his ultimate defensive home and power development. In a perfect world, Paredes becomes a solid regular somewhere on the dirt.
