Edgardo Baez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #23 prospect in 2006
  The Nationals grew frustrated with Baez in 2005 after he failed to make adjustments in his second stint in the Sally League. After hitting .347 with four homers in April, he reverted to bad habits and batted just .226 with seven longballs the rest of the way. He let pitchers dictate at-bats and chased too many bad pitches, he tinkered with his swing and set-up, and he wasn't particularly receptive to instruction. Much of Baez' problem is with his lower half. He has quick hands but gets beaten because his weight is shifted over his front side. Roving hitting instructor Mitchell Page is trying to force him to stay back, and if the lessons take Baez could become a Jose Guillen type someday. He still possesses the pure physical tools that made him a fourth-round pick in 2003, including the ability to hit for average, plus raw power and a strong right-field arm. But this year he'll need to earn his way into a lineup, probably back in low Class A again, and put in the effort to be a better outfielder and more disciplined hitter.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #14 prospect in 2005
  Baez projected to go in the top two rounds in 2003 before an underwhelming performance at a predraft showcase allowed the Expos to get him in the fourth. He was overmatched at low Class A in his first full season, but flashed his plus power potential and strong rightfield arm following a demotion to Vermont. It wasn't a phenomenal year, but Baez demonstrated improved selectivity at the plate and a mature approach for a teenager. He has a big, athletic frame and a fluid stroke, and his tools are average or better across the board. He even has enough speed to give the Nationals confidence to put him in center field if necessary. Baez still has a hitch in his swing to work out, and he has difficulty recognizing and hitting breaking pitches. But he's a smart hitter who just needs at-bats, and he will get them as the everyday right fielder in low Class A this year. He's considered a long-term project, but Baez profiles as a prototypical right fielder if he reaches his ceiling.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #23 prospect in 2004
  Baez was the consensus top prospect in Puerto Rico before the Excellence Games, a pre-draft showcase held on the island in May. He didn't perform well there, which caused him to slide to the Expos in the fourth round. After arriving in the Gulf Coast League, he again showed his middle-of-the-order potential. He has a well-proportioned, athletic frame with room for added strength. He has a fluid stroke at the plate, featuring quickness and a slight uppercut. Baez is aggressive and projects to have average power. He does have a hitch in his swing, which causes him difficulty with inside pitches. He's a slow runner out of the box and is decent once he gets under way. He doesn't cover a lot of ground in the outfield, but he does own an average arm and can handle right field. Baez' most likely destination in 2004 is Vermont.