Edmundo Sosa

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #28 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa was a high-profile international signing out of Panama in 2012, far enough back that he was a teammate of Jack Flaherty in the Gulf Coast League in 2014. Sosa's path to the majors has been frustrating. He made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster in 2020 but contracted Covid-19 before he played in a game. Once he recovered, he remained at the alternate training site.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sosa's value is as a reliable defender who can play second base, third base or shortstop without any issues. He's an above-average defender at all three. Offensively, Sosa has made steady improvements and found the more lively Triple-A ball to his liking, as he set a career high with 17 home runs in 2019. He projects as a below-average hitter with below-average power in the big leagues. His aggressiveness means he does not get on base very often.
  
  THE FUTURE: This is an important season for Sosa, as he's already used four options. He either makes the Opening Day roster or will have to be placed on outright waivers. He's ready to be a utilityman but time is running out to claim that job.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #22 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa signed with the Cardinals for $425,000 in 2012. After missing much of 2016 and 2017 with wrist and hand injuries, Sosa stayed healthy in 2018 and jumped three levels to the majors. He spent most of 2019 at Triple-A Memphis and returned to the majors twice as a callup.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Previously known for his defense, Sosa made an adjustment to use his hands more in his swing and keeps adding power. He hit a career-high 17 home runs in 2019 and slugged .466. Sosa is a free swinger who is aggressive early in counts and rarely walks, but his growing power gives him a chance to make some offensive impact. Defensively, Sosa has the hands and above-average arm to be an above-average shortstop. His defense previously played down due to poor instincts, but he has started positioning himself better and playing with more effort.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sosa began playing second and third base the last two years to prepare for a utility role. He will try to win a spot on the Cardinals' bench in 2020.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #22 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Sosa signed for $425,000 out of Panama in 2012 as a headliner in a loaded Cardinals international class that included Alex Reyes and Magneuris Sierra. A series of injuries, including left wrist tendinitis in 2016 and a broken hamate bone in 2017, delayed his progress, but he stayed healthy in 2018 and moved quickly, jumping from Double-A to Triple-A and earning his first major league callup.
  
  Scouting Report: Sosa has the defensive tools to profile up the middle. He's an above-average defender at shortstop with sneaky speed and above-average hands, and his above-average arm makes all the throws. While Sosa's instincts are subpar, he began positioning himself better at Triple-A and started getting to more balls without having to range as far, a much-needed development. He also improved his effort and focus, which had lacked in the past. Sosa made an adjustment to use his hands more in his swing and surprised with 30 doubles and 13 home runs. He doesn't make enough contact or walk enough to project as more than a fringe-average hitter, but the newfound power helps his cause.
  
  The Future: Sosa projects as a glove-first utility infielder, but his offense and defense are trending up.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #30 prospect in 2018
  Sosa was a celebrated signing in the Cardinals' 2012 international class with Alex Reyes and Magneuris Sierra. While the other two have reached the majors, Sosa's climb has been slowed by injuries. Left wrist tendinitis injury ended his 2016 season a month early, and he played just 58 games in 2017, mostly at high Class A Palm Beach, after having hamate bone surgery. When healthy, Sosa is a solid-average defensive shortstop with range, hands and an arm that are all above-average. However, he often plays too casually and often gives up on plays he should be able to make. Offensively Sosa shows solid bat-to-ball skills and he reined in his approach in 2017, staying within the strike zone and seeing his average and on-base percentage rise as a result. He has little power potential and doesn't steal bases despite above-average speed. Evaluators generally see Sosa as future utility infielder, but his potential at shortstop and bat-to-ball skills give him a chance to be an everyday player at his peak. That will depend on Sosa's ability to stay healthy, which he hasn't for some time.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #8 prospect in 2017
  The third headliner from the 2012 international class, Sosa's climb through the system has been more deliberate. Sosa received a $425,000 bonus, the largest for any Panamanian in 2012 and debuted in 2013. He's been called a bat-first infielder, the finest glove in his league, and, most recently, the club's best all-around prospect at shortstop. Sosa has above-average actions at shortstop, from his range to his arm and especially his superb hands. He plays with a natural levity that can sometimes be misread as laissez faire. He has a flair--and a knack for making plays that cannot be taught. A .300/.369/.485 hitter at short-season, Sosa's approach came undone with low class A Peoria. He lost track of his zone and as a result his ability to get on base flagged. He did not start hitting to the level until the Cardinals promoted him out of need, and then a left wrist injury (tendinitis) ended his season in late July. Sosa is likely headed back to high Class A Palm Beach, and a good showing in the challenging Florida State League should result in a promotion to Double-A Springfield.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #7 prospect in 2016
  Sosa's $425,000 bonus was the largest for a Panamanian player in 2012 and the third-largest in St. Louis' fruitful 2012 international signing class, fronted by Alex Reyes. The Cardinals have moved Sosa slowly despite good present hitting ability, which allowed him to earn a postseason all-star nod in the Rookie-level Appalachian League after he hit .300 with seven homers at Johnson City in 2015. An offense-first shortstop, Sosa started slowing the game down on both sides of the ball, improving his strike-zone judgment and consistency of his at-bats and preparation. He has an above-average arm and enough range for shortstop along with good footwork. He has the instincts, body control and leadership qualities to stick at the position, where his bat would make him a real asset. Sosa has a chance to hit for average power down the road and has added polish to his offensive approach. He's an average runner with sound baserunning instincts. While his body lacks much projection, Sosa has a chance to have average tools across the board and to play a premium position, which could make him one of the Cardinals' most valuable prospects in the end. He's the system's latest best hope for a homegrown shortstop, and he will make his full-season debut at low Class A Peoria in 2016.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #14 prospect in 2015
  The Cardinals regarded Sosa as a top target for July 2 in 2012, when they signed the Panamanian shortstop for $425,000. He quickly rewarded the organization's confidence by performing well in the Dominican Summer League, then made a smooth transition to the U.S., playing in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2014. Sosa's baseball instincts are advanced for his age and background. He makes contact at a high clip because of his easy, level stroke and ability to control the bat head with good hand-eye coordination. He did a better job in 2014 of using the whole field and showed gap power. With his bat-to-ball skills and plus speed, he should hit for a high average and potentially be a top-of-the-order hitter if he can draw enough walks. Before signing, Sosa demonstrated above-average times in the 60-yard dash and has added strength to become a plus runner. One of the better defensive shortstops in the GCL, Sosa has good range, athleticism and quickness but also plays under control. The one knock on him is fringy arm strength, but he makes up for it with a quick release. He's primed for full-season ball in 2015.
• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #25 prospect in 2014
  On the first day they could sign international amateur free agents in 2012, the Cardinals announced a pact with a 16-year-old Sosa. He received a $425,000 bonus, the largest for a Panamanian that year, and he was described as the best true shortstop available in his age bracket. In his 2013 pro debut, Sosa didn't disappoint. He led all Dominican Summer League shortstops with an .846 OPS. On raw ability, he hit beyond the level. Sosa has a frenetic style of fielding that is part athleticism, part improvisation. His fringe arm strength has some evaluators believing he's a better fit for second base, but he's too young to pigeonhole before he gains strength with age. Sosa is in the larval stage as a prospect and that comes with all the caveats of youth. He fits behind Oscar Mercado on the depth chart but shares a lot of the same traits. The sign of his place in the organization wasn't just his numbers but the Cardinals' reaction. They invited Sosa to instructional league to get a head start on the domestic assignment that could be a revealing test in 2014.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked National League #9 prospect in 2015
  Sosa has made steady progress since signing as a 16-year-old out of Panama in July 2012 and had an outstanding season at Johnson City. He grew into more power and made steady progress from extended spring training through the end of the season. He added strength to his 5-foot-11 frame and made consistent hard contact this summer, and he appears poised for the jump to a full-season league in 2016. Sosa has sound bat-to-ball skills, though he can have issues with timing and hitting with topspin at times. Defensively, he has smooth hands and outstanding body control at shortstop, with the ability to make difficult plays look routine. His arm strength is not plus but could be adequate for the position. His speed shows up more so in his lateral agility, though he is an average runner on times to first base.
• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #10 prospect in 2014
  The Cardinals regarded Sosa as a top target for July 2, 2012, when they signed the Panamanian shortstop for $425,000. He quickly rewarded the organization's confidence by performing well in the Dominican Summer League, then made a smooth transition to the GCL this summer. Sosa's baseball instincts are advanced for his age and background. He makes contact at a high clip because of his easy, level stroke and ability to control the bat head with good hand-eye coordination. He did a better job this season of using the whole field and showed gap power. With his bat-to-ball skills and plus speed, he should hit for a high average and potentially be a top-of-the-order hitter if he can draw enough walks. One of the better defensive shortstops in the GCL, Sosa has good range, athleticism and quickness but also plays under control. The one knock on him is fringy arm strength, but he makes up for it with a quick release.

• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa was a high-profile international signing out of Panama in 2012, far enough back that he was a teammate of Jack Flaherty in the Gulf Coast League in 2014. Sosa's path to the majors has been frustrating. He made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster in 2020 but contracted Covid-19 before he played in a game. Once he recovered, he remained at the alternate training site.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sosa's value is as a reliable defender who can play second base, third base or shortstop without any issues. He's an above-average defender at all three. Offensively, Sosa has made steady improvements and found the more lively Triple-A ball to his liking, as he set a career high with 17 home runs in 2019. He projects as a below-average hitter with below-average power in the big leagues. His aggressiveness means he does not get on base very often.
  
  THE FUTURE: This is an important season for Sosa, as he's already used four options. He either makes the Opening Day roster or will have to be placed on outright waivers. He's ready to be a utilityman but time is running out to claim that job.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa was a high-profile international signing out of Panama in 2012, far enough back that he was a teammate of Jack Flaherty in the Gulf Coast League in 2014. Sosa's path to the majors has been frustrating. He made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster in 2020 but contracted Covid-19 before he played in a game. Once he recovered, he remained at the alternate training site.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Sosa's value is as a reliable defender who can play second base, third base or shortstop without any issues. He's an above-average defender at all three. Offensively, Sosa has made steady improvements and found the more lively Triple-A ball to his liking, as he set a career high with 17 home runs in 2019. He projects as a below-average hitter with below-average power in the big leagues. His aggressiveness means he does not get on base very often.
  
  THE FUTURE: This is an important season for Sosa, as he's already used four options. He either makes the Opening Day roster or will have to be placed on outright waivers. He's ready to be a utilityman but time is running out to claim that job.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa signed with the Cardinals for $425,000 in 2012. After missing much of 2016 and 2017 with wrist and hand injuries, Sosa stayed healthy in 2018 and jumped three levels to the majors. He spent most of 2019 at Triple-A Memphis and returned to the majors twice as a callup.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Previously known for his defense, Sosa made an adjustment to use his hands more in his swing and keeps adding power. He hit a career-high 17 home runs in 2019 and slugged .466. Sosa is a free swinger who is aggressive early in counts and rarely walks, but his growing power gives him a chance to make some offensive impact. Defensively, Sosa has the hands and above-average arm to be an above-average shortstop. His defense previously played down due to poor instincts, but he has started positioning himself better and playing with more effort.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sosa began playing second and third base the last two years to prepare for a future utility role. He will try to win a spot on the Cardinals’ bench in 2020.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Sosa signed with the Cardinals for $425,000 in 2012. After missing much of 2016 and 2017 with wrist and hand injuries, Sosa stayed healthy in 2018 and jumped three levels to the majors. He spent most of 2019 at Triple-A Memphis and returned to the majors twice as a callup.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Previously known for his defense, Sosa made an adjustment to use his hands more in his swing and keeps adding power. He hit a career-high 17 home runs in 2019 and slugged .466. Sosa is a free swinger who is aggressive early in counts and rarely walks, but his growing power gives him a chance to make some offensive impact. Defensively, Sosa has the hands and above-average arm to be an above-average shortstop. His defense previously played down due to poor instincts, but he has started positioning himself better and playing with more effort.
  
  THE FUTURE: Sosa began playing second and third base the last two years to prepare for a utility role. He will try to win a spot on the Cardinals' bench in 2020.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: The third headliner from the 2012 international class, Sosa's climb through the system has been more deliberate. Sosa received a $425,000 bonus, the largest for any Panamanian in 2012 and debuted in 2013. By 20, Sosa had more than 1,000 plate appearances as a pro and nearly 250 games. He's been called a bat-first infielder, the finest glove in his league, and, most recently, the club's best all-around prospect at shortstop. Scouting Report: Sosa has above-average actions at shortstop, from his range to his arm and especially his superb hands. He plays with a natural levity that can sometimes be misread as laissez faire. He has a flair--and a knack for making plays that cannot be taught. A .300/.369/.485 hitter at short-season, Sosa's approach came undone with low class A Peoria. He lost track of his zone and as a result his ability to get on base flagged. He did not start hitting to the level until the Cardinals promoted him out of need, and then a left wrist injury (tendinitis) ended his season in late July.
  
  The Future: Sosa is likely headed back to high Class A Palm Beach, and a good showing in the challenging Florida State League should result in a promotion to Double-A Springfield.