Chris Aguila

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #28 prospect in 2005
  Seven years after tying the national single-season high school home run record with 29, Aguila finally made it to the big leagues. He could find a spot as a reserve outfielder with the Marlins in 2005. His steady progression included a Double-A Southern League batting title in 2003, even though he missed 41 games with a fractured right wrist. He has some of the best bat speed in the organization, ranking perhaps behind only Jai Miller, and continues to incorporate a power stroke into his game. He can handle even the best fastballs, especially those that are middle-in, though plus breaking balls give him trouble. He is considered unselfish, upbeat and a good teammate, traits that make him a solid candidate for big-league bench duty. He is a plus defender who can handle all three outfield spots, if necessary, though he's best suited for right field. He runs well, gets good jumps and has solid instincts. A modest-sized late bloomer, Aguila seems to get a little better each year.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #18 prospect in 2004
  Aguila also ranked 18th on this list after the 2000 season, then dropped completely off the next two years before re-establishing himself with the Southern League batting title in 2003. Aguila won the crown despite missing 41 games after an errant pitch by Joe Winkelsas left him with a hairline fracture in his right wrist on June 3. Aguila, whose 29 home runs as a senior at McQueen High in Reno remain tied for the national high school single-season record, changed from an extreme inside-out stroke to a more power-laden swing that showcased his ability to pull inside mistakes with authority. He pounds fastballs, even plus fastballs, from the middle in. He's not as successful with pitches on the outer half, sometimes rolling over good breaking balls. A modest-sized late bloomer, Aguila has plus bat speed, a strong situational approach and average power that projects to 15-20 homers in a full big league season. He's an average runner but an excellent defender who can handle all three outfield spots. He takes good routes, has an above-average arm and shows a strong desire to keep improving. Aguila also has a reputation for being upbeat, unselfish and a good teammate. When the organization asked Miguel Cabrera to learn left field last season, Aguila took it upon himself to talk at length with his young Carolina teammate about outfield play, even working with him during batting practice. He's ready for Triple-A.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #18 prospect in 2001
  Aguila has made tremendous improvement across the board in the past two years. Club officials consider him a potential sleeper if he continues to tackle new challenges with similar zest and success. He played center field for Brevard County last year, showing smooth actions and good judgment. His arm is strong enough to warrant a move to right field down the road. At the plate he tends to be streaky, just as apt to fall into a lengthy slump as to put together a week's worth of damage. When he's on he makes consistently hard contact and has power to all fields. Aguila's speed is just average, but he has solid instincts on the bases and knows how to steal a meaningful base. No one tool stands out above the rest but his overall aptitude is impressive. His makeup and instincts make him a candidate to climb higher on this list in the coming years.