Sebastian Rivero Stats & Scouting Report

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Rivero has just 46 pro games under his belt, most of them in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He has yet to hit a pro home run, and he's many years from the big leagues. But when Royals officials watch Rivero, they can't help but recall a young Salvador Perez. The comparison comes as much from Rivero's mindset, determination and personality as his tools. He responds to instruction and quickly carries the lessons into games. He got dramatically better at the plate in 2016 as the season progressed. He improved his pitch selection, allowing his short, simple swing to play. He hit .345 in August and scouts think highly of his offensive potential. Defensively, Rivero is a potentially plus defender with a good body, in particular a strong lower half. He has excellent blocking ability, a potentially above-average arm and he receives well. He has just started working on game-calling. With Rivero's work ethic, the Royals are excited to see how he'll develop, though he probably will require another year of short-season ball in 2017.

The 17-year-old native Venezuelan signed in 2015 for $450,000 and caughtÂ a majority of the Royals' games in his first pro season. Instead of wearing down, Rivero's offensive numbers increased significantly in the second half when he hit .349/.379/.429. Rivero was one of the more advanced catchers in the league. He blocks, receives and frames well. His solid-average arm should get stronger with maturity, and he threw out 25 percent of basestealers. Most importantly, he's strong mentally and eager to learn. "The best thing about him is you tell him something one time and he goes out and applies it," Royals manager Darryl Kennedy said. "That's a tremendous asset to have." Rivero will always be a glove-first player, he has a short swing and simple approach at the plate. He improved his pitch selection and plate discipline, which enabled him to make more hard contact. He needs maturity and experience to develop his power.

C Sebastián Rivero assigned to Tiburones de La Guaira.
C Sebastián Rivero assigned to Mississippi Braves from Gwinnett Stripers.
Gwinnett Stripers activated C Sebastián Rivero from the temporarily inactive list.
Gwinnett Stripers placed C Sebastián Rivero on the temporarily inactive list.
Birmingham Barons activated C Sebastián Rivero.
C Sebastián Rivero assigned to Birmingham Barons from Charlotte Knights.
C Sebastián Rivero assigned to Birmingham Barons from Charlotte Knights.