Leo Rivas

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #30 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Rivas missed the second half of May and all of June because of a significant hamstring injury, but that didn’t slow his development as a utility player. Signed as a shortstop for $40,000 in 2014, Rivas was versatile enough to play shortstop, second base, third base, left field and center field last season, all at adequate to above-average levels. His on-base percentage at high Class A Inland Empire (.328) was 92 points higher than his batting average (.236).
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: A short, small-framed player, Rivas is an above-average runner and has advanced strike-zone discipline, which allows him to draw walks and be disruptive on the basepaths. Rivas has surprising power for his size but does not consistently impact the ball or hit enough homers to justify his rising strikeout numbers the last two seasons. The switch-hitter is significantly better from the right side than the left. Rivas' arm is strong and accurate enough to play the left side of the infield and the outfield, although he is stretched at shortstop for more than a few games.
  
  THE FUTURE: With a better understanding of the pitches he can handle, Rivas has the tools to develop into a utility man. He should reach Double-A in 2020.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #11 prospect in 2018
  Rivas signed with the Angels for $40,000 in 2014 as a 16-year-old and has worked his way up the system. The Venezuelan switch-hitter has a .278 career average and has shown advanced plate discipline at every level, with a .420 on-base percentage and nearly as many walks (132) as strikeouts (136) in 630 career at-bats. Rivas has played all three infield positions and a little outfield, but focused primarily on shortstop in 2017. Rivas grows on you. He's not flashy in the field but makes all the plays, and he won't dazzle you at the plate but is competent from both sides and rarely swings at pitches out of the zone. Though small-framed, he has gotten stronger physically. He has an average to above-average arm, with good accuracy. His hands work well and he has solid range to both sides, but he's a little better going to his left. Rivas is athletic with a projectable build and good hand-eye coordination, is light on his feet with a loose arm, and is instinctive in the field and on the basepaths. Scouts who watch Rivas over multiple games get a better appreciation for him. Though many project him as a utility player, he could develop into a starting middle infielder if he continues to hit and get on base.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #9 prospect in 2017
  The Angels challenged with an assignment to the PL despite having only one month in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2016. He was up to the task, anchoring the Owlz infield defense and pacing their offensive attack from the leadoff spot. Still on the smallish side and needing to add strength, Rivas surprised observers with the consistent hard contact he made from both sides of the plate. For his size, he has an athletic, projectable body and is light on his feet. Rivas stands out most on defense. He's not flashy but makes all the plays. His hands work well, he's instinctive and he shows good range to both sides. His arm strength and accuracy improved to above-average. Rivas' advanced strike-zone knowledge, plate discipline and good hand-eye coordination keep him from swinging at pitches outside the zone. A plus runner, he gets good jumps and is an instinctive baserunner.

• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Rivas missed the second half of May and all of June because of a significant hamstring injury, but that didn’t slow his development as a utility player. Signed as a shortstop for $40,000 in 2014, Rivas was versatile enough to play shortstop, second base, third base, left field and center field last season, all at adequate to above-average levels. His on-base percentage at high Class A Inland Empire (.328) was 92 points higher than his batting average (.236).
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: A short, small-framed player, Rivas is an above-average runner and has advanced strike-zone discipline, which allows him to draw walks and be disruptive on the basepaths. Rivas has surprising power for his size but does not consistently impact the ball or hit enough homers to justify his rising strikeout numbers the last two seasons. The switch-hitter is significantly better from the right side than the left. Rivas' arm is strong and accurate enough to play the left side of the infield and the outfield, although he is stretched at shortstop for more than a few games.
  
  THE FUTURE: With a better understanding of the pitches he can handle, Rivas has the tools to develop into a utility man. He should reach Double-A in 2020.