Raynel Delgado Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Raynel Delgado
Born 04/04/2000 in Havana, Cuba
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Calvary Christian Academy
Drafted in the 6th round (193rd overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2018 (signed for $900,000).

View Draft Report

A switch-hitting shortstop committed to Florida International, Delgado intrigues scouts thanks to his impressive bat, power from both sides and more feel to hit from either side than many young switch-hitters show at the same age. He's already pretty physical, which allows him to hit for power in-game, and he's shown that pop at big events like USA Baseball's National High School Invitational in March. Defensively, he has smooth actions and impressive footwork that should give him a chance to stick at shortstop, but there are many scouts who believe his below-average speed will move him to another position, with third or second base being the most likely. He has the arm strength to handle third and his hands and footwork should be enough for second base as well. A team drafting him will be taking the bat though, with future plus power from both sides.

Top Rankings

Track Record: Delgado was born in Cuba and came to the United States with his mother as a 7-year-old. He developed into one of the top infielders in the country and in 2017 played for USA Baseball's 18U national team that won the gold medal at the World Cup, beating the Cuban national team along the way. He slipped the next June to the sixth round, but the Indians signed him to an above-slot bonus of $900,000.

Scouting Report: Delgado is more advanced from both sides than many young switch-hitters and he has a long track record of hitting against strong competition. He has a solid swing and a calm approach that served him well as he transitioned to pro ball. He has above-average power potential, especially as he fills out his 6-foot-2 frame. Delgado doesn't jump out as much defensively but is still solid in the infield. His advanced instincts help his tools play up and his hands and infield actions work well. He split time between shortstop, second and third base, and the development of his athleticism and arm strength will determine where he settles.

The Future: The Indians have a crowded shortstop depth chart in the lower levels of their system and that may mean Delgado moves off the position sooner than later so that they can keep challenging him offensively. He'll advance in 2019 to short-season Mahoning Valley, where he'll probably continue moving around the infield.

A switch-hitting shortstop committed to Florida International, Delgado intrigues scouts thanks to his impressive bat, power from both sides and more feel to hit from either side than many young switch-hitters show at the same age. He's already pretty physical, which allows him to hit for power in-game, and he's shown that pop at big events like USA Baseball's National High School Invitational in March. Defensively, he has smooth actions and impressive footwork that should give him a chance to stick at shortstop, but there are many scouts who believe his below-average speed will move him to another position, with third or second base being the most likely. He has the arm strength to handle third and his hands and footwork should be enough for second base as well. A team drafting him will be taking the bat though, with future plus power from both sides.