Born06/07/2002 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Track Record: Knowing he had an unrefined game, the D-backs gambled on Espinal’s athleticism when they gave him a $200,000 bonus in 2018. In an up-and-down 2021 season, Espinal showed glimpses of the sort of impact profile he can provide while also looking like a player who still has a long developmental timeline ahead.
Scouting Report: Espinal has an array of tools along with a strong, athletic frame. He has blazing speed and the ability to stick in center field. Offensively, it’s tough to figure out what he’ll become. He performed poorly in Low-A to start the year and was sent back to Arizona, where he worked to retool his swing. With his upper and lower halves better synched up, he raked in the complex league, then returned to Low-A and performed there, as well, hitting a combined .330/.409/.482 over his final 31 games before a groin injury ended his season.
The Future: Espinal needs to improve his approach at the plate, and his reads and routes in the outfield need to get better, as well. He lacks good instincts, so reps and experience are of the utmost importance. But the tools are there, and his strong finish provides hope that he is making progress.
TRACK RECORD: Intrigued by his athleticism and speed, the D-backs signed Espinal for $200,000 as part of their 2018 international class. In two years, he has added strength and begun to show power potential more quickly than the organization had envisioned.
SCOUTING REPORT: Espinal has near top-of-the-scale speed, good bat-to-ball ability and the makings of a good approach. He routinely hit balls hard at instructional league, often going the other way or staying up the middle. He has put on about 20 pounds since signing, drawing comparisons to fellow prospect Wilderd Patino's powerful frame. He has a chance to stick in center field, though his reads and routes could use work. He draws praise for his makeup and work ethic. The one knock on his game is his belowaverage arm strength.
THE FUTURE: Espinal has a long way to go, but his early performance gives the D-backs another outfielder to dream on. He has a chance to open the 2021 season at low Class A.
Scouting Reports
Track Record: Knowing he had an unrefined game, the D-backs gambled on Espinal’s athleticism when they gave him a $200,000 bonus in 2018. In an up-and-down 2021 season, Espinal showed glimpses of the sort of impact profile he can provide while also looking like a player who still has a long developmental timeline ahead.
Scouting Report: Espinal has an array of tools along with a strong, athletic frame. He has blazing speed and the ability to stick in center field. Offensively, it’s tough to figure out what he’ll become. He performed poorly in Low-A to start the year and was sent back to Arizona, where he worked to retool his swing. With his upper and lower halves better synched up, he raked in the complex league, then returned to Low-A and performed there, as well, hitting a combined .330/.409/.482 over his final 31 games before a groin injury ended his season.
The Future: Espinal needs to improve his approach at the plate, and his reads and routes in the outfield need to get better, as well. He lacks good instincts, so reps and experience are of the utmost importance. But the tools are there, and his strong finish provides hope that he is making progress.
TRACK RECORD: Intrigued by his athleticism and speed, the D-backs signed Espinal for $200,000 as part of their 2018 international class. In two years, he has added strength and begun to show power potential more quickly than the organization had envisioned.
SCOUTING REPORT: Espinal has near top-of-the-scale speed, good bat-to-ball ability and the makings of a good approach. He routinely hit balls hard at instructional league, often going the other way or staying up the middle. He has put on about 20 pounds since signing, drawing comparisons to fellow prospect Wilderd Patino's powerful frame. He has a chance to stick in center field, though his reads and routes could use work. He draws praise for his makeup and work ethic. The one knock on his game is his belowaverage arm strength.
THE FUTURE: Espinal has a long way to go, but his early performance gives the D-backs another outfielder to dream on. He has a chance to open the 2021 season at low Class A.
TRACK RECORD: Intrigued by his athleticism and speed, the D-backs signed Espinal for $200,000 as part of their 2018 international class. In two years, he has added strength and begun to show power potential more quickly than the organization had envisioned.
SCOUTING REPORT: Espinal has near top-of-the-scale speed, good bat-to-ball ability and the makings of a good approach. He routinely hit balls hard at instructional league, often going the other way or staying up the middle. He has put on about 20 pounds since signing, drawing comparisons to fellow prospect Wilderd Patino's powerful frame. He has a chance to stick in center field, though his reads and routes could use work. He draws praise for his makeup and work ethic. The one knock on his game is his belowaverage arm strength.
THE FUTURE: Espinal has a long way to go, but his early performance gives the D-backs another outfielder to dream on. He has a chance to open the 2021 season at low Class A.
Career Transactions
Down East Wood Ducks released CF Jeferson Espinal.
CF Jeferson Espinal assigned to Down East Wood Ducks from ACL Rangers.
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