Adrian Nieto

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #30 prospect in 2014
  Nieto emigrated from Cuba when he was 8 and made a name for himself while playing alongside Eric Hosmer in travel ball and at American Heritage High. Injuries and immaturity derailed his pro career, which bottomed out when he was suspended 50 games at the start of the 2011 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. Nieto put himself back on the prospect landscape with a strong 2013 campaign in high Class A. He made big strides simplifying his offensive approach, reducing the big leg kick he once employed and showing a more direct swing path. The switch-hitter is a better hitter with more power from the left side--he hit .300 with 10 homers against righties, but just .203 in 74 homer-less at-bats versus lefties. Nieto's bat speed and doubles-oriented approach give him a chance to be an offensive backup catcher in the big leagues. His footwork behind the plate also has improved, but his receiving and blocking remain works in progress. He projects as an average defensive catcher with a slightly-above-average to plus arm. Nieto will have to work to keep his weight in check, and he is a poor runner. He is ready to tackle Double-A as a 24-year-old in 2014.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #25 prospect in 2010
  Nieto and his parents came to the United States from Cuba on a makeshift raft when he was 8. He began catching shortly thereafter and joined a travel team with future No. 3 overall pick Eric Hosmer when he was 11, and the duo eventually led American Heritage High to BA's final No. 1 national ranking as seniors in 2008. A fifth-round pick that June, Nieto signed three days before the Aug. 15 deadline for a $376,000 bonus. He missed half of his first full pro season in 2009 after pulling a hamstring, and when he returned, he looked lost at the plate. Nieto's bat was his best tool in high school. The switch-hitter showed solid-average power to all fields from both sides of the plate and had a good feel for hitting. But he was a mess mechanically last summer, as his stroke was too long and his approach was inconsistent and passive. Nieto did make some strides defensively and threw out 44 percent of basestealers in 2009, but he still has a long way to go with his receiving, footwork and game-calling skills. He has a slightly above-average arm with good accuracy and a quick release. Nieto needs to get his body in better shape and add strength. He still has the ability to become an everyday big leaguer, but his regression in 2009 was discouraging. Nieto must reset and start fresh in 2010, likely at Vermont after beginning the season in extended spring training.
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  Ranked Washington Nationals #8 prospect in 2009
  Nieto and his parents came to the United States from Cuba on a makeshift raft when he was 8. He began catching shortly thereafter and joined a travel team with future No. 2 overall pick Eric Hosmer when he was 11. As high school seniors, they helped lead a loaded American Heritage High team to BA's final No. 1 national ranking, with Nieto blasting two homers in the state championship game. He signed three days before the Aug. 15 signing deadline for a $376,000 bonus, the third-highest in the fifth round. A switch-hitter, Nieto shows solid-average power to all fields from both sides of the plate. Like most young switch-hitters, he's more advanced from the left side, but he has a good feel for hitting from both sides. A natural leader who exudes confidence, Nieto is a student of the game. He knows what pitchers are trying to do to him when he's batting and also knows how to attack other hitters when he's behind the plate. He's surprisingly quick on his feet and good at blocking balls in the dirt. His arm is a tick above average but plays up because of his quick release, accuracy and aggressiveness. Nieto is still working hard on refining his defensive skills, from his receiving to his footwork to fielding bunts and popups. He needs to concentrate on keeping himself in better shape. At the plate, he's still developing his pitch recognition. Nieto has all the tools and intangibles to be a solid regular big league catcher in the Jorge Posada mold.