Born05/06/1989 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 5'9" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Signed as part of the Cardinals' growing initiative in the Dominican Republic in 2006 as a 17-year-old, de la Cruz made a promising U.S. debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League last season. He lashes at the ball with a powerful, easy, line-drive stroke from the right side of the plate. He shows above-average bat speed, leading scouts to think he'll develop power. Behind the plate, he already has shown catch-and-throw skills and leadership ability, including a good feel for calling games. He has a plus arm and threw out 51 percent of basestealers last season. He also blocks balls well. De la Cruz already has drawn comparisons to Ivan Rodriguez, which will be more apt once he taps into his power. He'll also have to improve his handling of pitchers over the course of a season, but that should come with more experience. He could make his full-season debut in low Class A this year.
Minor League Top Prospects
Signed as a 17-year-old out of the Dominican in 2006, de la Cruz hit .293 in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League last summer. He made enough strides as a bat-first catcher defensively that he was a no-brainer visa choice to play his first season in the States this year. De la Cruz punishes balls all over the strike zone with above-average bat speed and an easy, line-drive swing. Several GCL managers compared his overall tools package to Ivan Rodriguez, though he has yet to show he can hit for power. Behind the plate, de la Cruz has become a solid catch-and-throw backstop with leadership abilities, advanced game-calling skills and plus arm strength. He led the league by throwing out 51 percent of basestealers, and he also blocks ball well. His biggest need defensively is to improve at handling a pitching staff over the course of a full season.
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