Ricky Aracena
| AB | 1492 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .236 |
| OBP | .294 |
| SLG | .316 |
| HR | 13 |
- Full name Ricky Junior Aracena
- Born 10/02/1997 in San Francisco De Macoris, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 5'8" / Wt.: 160 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Aracena is generously listed at 5-foot-8 but the questions about his size are answered with a love of how he plays the game. Aracena has earned the nickname "Furacalito" because he models his game after fellow short, speed shortstop Rafael Furcal. Aracena signed for $850,000. The Royals were confident enough in his makeup and his advanced understanding of the game to send him straight to the Rookie-level Arizona League instead of the Dominican Summer League. His debut was slowed by a groin injury that also led to an abscess. He's gotten it fixed and should be fine for spring training. Unlike most short infielders, Aracena can stay at shortstop because he has a plus arm to go with his above-average range and plus speed. Aracena carries some present strength for his size. He's more than a slap-and-run hitter and should have 5-8 home-run power eventually. He projects as a savvy leadoff hitter with on-base skills and defensive value. He may be ready for low Class A Lexington as an 18-year-old.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Aracena signed for $850,000 last year, then skipped over the Dominican Summer League to begin his pro career in the AZL, though nagging injuries interrupted his season. He's at least two inches shorter than his listed height of 5-foot-8, a stature that hearkens back to 1970s Royals shortstop Freddie Patek, who is 5-foot-5. Aracena instead draws comparisons with his idol Rafael Furcal, who spent much of extended spring training at the Royals complex. With a thick lower half, Aracena doesn't have the prototype build for a shortstop, but AZL managers and scouts love his grinder mentality along with his plus speed, double-plus arm and an ability to put the ball in play. He needs to get stronger and improve his plate discipline. Aracena doesn't have much power and won't ever put many balls over the fence, but the switch-hitter sprays the ball around the field and should get better at keeping the ball on the ground with more experience. "I've never seen a kid have a sense and understanding of the game," Mariners manager Darrin Garner said. "His timing and everything he does . . . he's just well beyond his years.v
