Wendell Soto
| AB | 1291 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .238 |
| OBP | .313 |
| SLG | .353 |
| HR | 21 |
- Full name Wendell Soto
- Born 05/11/1992 in Hinesville, GA
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School Riverview
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Drafted in the 3rd round (111th overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 (signed for $274,500).
View Draft Report
Up-the-middle talent is always at a premium, and that pushes players such as Soto up some draft boards. A shortstop who switch-hits, he was Florida International's backup plan after Panthers recruit Manny Machado became a cinch first-round pick. Soto isn't physical at 5-foot-8 but can swing the bat and is an excellent defender at short. His draft profile rose when he showed improved speed, going from an average runner to a plus runner and turning in 4.05-second times to first base from the left side. Soto has soft hands and first-step quickness at short, though his arm is fringe-average for the position. He's a solid athlete but may not be strong enough to go out and hit with wood.
Top Rankings
Minor League Top Prospects
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Soto spent his first two pro seasons in the Arizona League and when he struggled at low Class A Cedar Rapids at the start of 2012, he got another taste of Rookie ball at Orem. He re-established himself as a prospect with the Owlz by turning in the best offensive performance of his career. Still just 20 despite being drafted in 2010, Soto is a switch-hitter who's better from the left side. He has some gap power, though he needs to tone down his approach and focus more on making contact. He's an average runner. Soto projects as a serviceable hitter whose real value comes from his defense. He's an asset at shortstop, where he got to balls most shortstops in the league couldn't. His arm grades as average rather than plus, but it's accurate and won't hinder his ability to play the position at a high level.
