Raul Navarro

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #25 prospect in 2011
  Navarro made his stateside debut with Missoula in the same season when his older brother, Yamaico, reached the big leagues with the Red Sox. Both Navarros are shortstops, not surprising since they hail from San Pedro de Macoris, long regarded as "the cradle of shortstops." They come by their abilities naturally, as their mother was a star softball player with the Dominican national team. Raul had a strong season in Missoula, and while projections on how he'll hit at higher levels vary, the Diamondbacks believe he can be an above-average hitter with gap-to-gap power. He has a good feel for hitting and is short to the ball. Navarro's strong arm is regarded as the best infield arm in the system. He has average range and his glove-to-hand speed is good, but he needs to improve his preparedness on defense in order to take advantage of his tools. The Diamondbacks believe Navarro turned a corner with regular instruction during the season and in instructional league. With older shortstops ahead of him in the lower levels of the system, Navarro will likely spend another year in short-season ball with an assignment to Yakima.