Cristhian Adames Stats & Scouting Report

AB	21
AVG	.19
OBP	.346
SLG	.333
HR	1

Full name Cristhian Pascual Adames
Born 07/26/1991 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 217 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Debut 07/29/2014

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Signed out of the Dominican Republic in September 2007, Adames still is just 24 years old despite eight years in the Rockies system. He advanced one level at a time since making the transition from the Dominican Summer League to Rookie-level Casper in 2010, and he finally earned a big league callup in September 2014. After a strong 2015 season as the starting shortstop at Triple-A Albuquerque, Adames earned another callup and held his own in 26 September games. His ceiling hasn't changed--he's a defense-first utility infielder--he has just moved closer to it. Adames has smooth hands, an above-average arm and excellent instincts at shortstop, and he's a more-than-capable defender at second and third base. Being a switch-hitter adds to his versatility. His bat likely won't play in an everyday role, but he makes solid contact, doesn't strike out often and has some gap power. He can contribute offensively as long as he stays within himself. Adames is essentially a finished product and should provide versatility in a big league bench role in 2016 because he's out of minor league options and cannot return to the minors without being exposed to waivers.
Adames has moved steadily through the system, advancing one level annually since he came from the Dominican Summer League to Rookie-level Casper in 2010. He played at Double-A Tulsa in 2013, then went to the Arizona Fall League. Adames' bat likely will not carry him to everyday status in the big leagues, but he could be valuable in a utility role. The switch-hitter swings with more authority from the right side, with more of a slap swing lefthanded. Strikeouts have never been an issue for Adames, who makes steady contact. He has shown gap power in the past, but his three home runs in 2013 are indicative of 20 power on the 20-80 scouting scale. His below-average speed further reduces his offensive ceiling. Adames' strength is his defense. He's an instinctive shortstop with very good hands, solid range and plenty of arm strength with a quick release. Save for seven games at second base in 2013, Adames has played exclusively shortstop--but he ought to adapt easily if called upon to move around the diamond. Adames will play at Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2014.
Since signing out of the Dominican Republic, Adames has moved up steadily through the system and played well at Modesto in 2012, overcoming a .191 April to hit .297 the rest of the season. He was the best player in Colorado's instructional league program, where he pushed himself, played harder and ran better. Adames is the best defensive shortstop in the system, but he is getting bigger, which may mean a move to second base or even third eventually, particularly if his power improves as expected. He has very good hands, a quick release and throws easy, with plenty of arm strength. His range is solid, as is his speed, and he is a heady, instinctive player. A switch-hitter, he stays inside the ball well, does a good job of using the opposite-field gap from both sides and is able to recognize pitches to pull. On offense and defense, Adames has done a better job of using his lower half. That will help him get more stability at the plate and perhaps have his power not just show up as doubles and triples but in double-digit home run totals. Added to the 40-man roster in November, Adames will move up to Double-A in 2013.
Adames spent two years in the Dominican Summer League before making his U.S. debut in 2010, only to have a broken left thumb end his season in mid-August. He moved up to low Class A as a 19-year-old last season and came on strong in the final month, batting .325/.416/.444. Adames has good balance, loads his hands well and shows some gap power from both sides of the plate. He does a good job of staying inside the ball and for the most part, he doesn't try to do too much. He needs to get stronger and develop a little more plate discipline but should be able to do both. Adames is the best defensive shortstop in the system. His actions are reminiscent of those of former Rockies Gold Glover Neifi Perez, though Adames plays more under control. He has solid range, soft hands and average arm strength, and he makes extremely accurate throws. He can get careless with his footwork at times because he knows he can compensate with his hands and arm. He led South Atlantic League shortstops with a .966 fielding percentage despite his youth. Adames has fringy speed and is still learning to run the bases. He'll move up to high Class A in 2012.

Minor League Top Prospects

Adames led Pioneer League shortstops in range factor (5.03) and fielding percentage (.969), winning admirers around the league while showing gliding infield actions, plus hands and an average arm. He stars defensively despite having just average speed. "He can flat-out pick it," Diaz said. "He makes the tough plays look easy, and I think he could play defense in the big leagues right now." A switch-hitter, Adames produced more from the left side this season and projects as an average hitter for his position. He's a gap hitter who shows occasional power to his pull side, but it's his glove that will continue to buy him opportunities as he moves up.