Keury De La Cruz Stats & Scouting Report

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De la Cruz was Boston's Latin American program player of the year in his 2009 pro debut and encored by leading the Gulf Coast League with 94 total bases in 2010, but his lack of a consistent approach caught up to him at Lowell in 2011. He hit more under control in 2012, which combined with improved strength and bat speed resulted in the first 20-20 season by a Red Sox farmhand since George Lombard in 2005. De la Cruz's swing is more sound, his balance is improved and he's more willing to use the opposite field than he was in the past. He's still overly aggressive at the plate, which more experienced pitchers may be able to exploit. Signed as a center fielder, de la Cruz has taken on a different profile as he has filled out. He now has fringy speed, and basestealing won't be a big part of his game despite his 20 steals last season. His below-average arm will relegate him to left field, and he topped South Atlantic League outfielders with nine errors in 2012. Some scouts don't think he puts forth enough effort on defense. His bat will have to carry him, and it may because de la Cruz has the upside of an above-average hitter with solid power. He finished last season in high Class A and will return there to begin 2013.

De la Cruz was the Red Sox's Latin program player of the year in 2009, his pro debut, and made a successful transition to the United States this year. Despite packing just 170 pounds on his 5-foot-11 frame, he topped the GCL with seven triples and 94 total bases while finishing one off the home run lead with six. He employs a low crouch at the plate and can catch up to good fastballs. De la Cruz showed the ingredients to become a five-tool player, though he'll have to cut down on his strikeouts. He's a quality defender with an average arm in center field.