Jharmidy De Jesus
| AB | 710 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .269 |
| OBP | .34 |
| SLG | .421 |
| HR | 20 |
- Full name Jharmidy De Jesus
- Born 08/30/1989 in Bani, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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DeJesus didn't sign in 2006, his first year of eligibility, because teams failed to meet his asking price. That move paid off in 2007 when the Mariners gave him $1 million, the third-highest international bonus of the summer. He ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Rookie-level Arizona League and No. 9 in the Northwest League in his 2008 pro debut. As a converted shortstop with present strength and a feel for hitting, he's similar in some ways to Mario Martinez, with more present power and a higher initial trajectory. DeJesus already has demonstrated above-average power and could develop more as he adds to his 185-pound frame. He has taken quickly to third base, where his range and footwork are average and his arm is strong. DeJesus has solid hand-eye coordination, but because he's too pull-conscious and has yet to develop pitch recognition, his ability to hit for average may atrophy as he climbs the ladder. He needs to tighten his strike zone, stop chasing breaking balls and use the entire field. His speed is a tick below-average. If he learns restraint, DeJesus could become a dangerous hitter and his bat could profile at any of the four corner positions. He's ready for low Class A, which could mean a timeshare at third base with Martinez. -
By inking three Latin American prospects to bonuses of six figures or more, the Mariners reiterated their commitment to international scouting. Seattle signed DeJesus for $1 million, while also adding shortstop Gabriel Noriega (Venezuela) and outfielder Efrain Nunez (Dominican Republic) during the 2007 international signing period. DeJesus was eligible in 2006, too, but teams did not meet his asking price. Added strength garnered him more attention in 2007, and many scouts thought he offered one of the better, more polished bats in the Dominican. DeJesus reminds the Mariners of his countryman Carlos Triunfel, in whom they invested $1.3 million in 2006. Like Triunfel, DeJesus is supremely confident in his abilities, but will have to move off shortstop as he matures. Already 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, DeJesus has above-average potential as a hitter and as a power hitter. He's a slightly below-average runner who profiles as a plus defensive third baseman with a strong arm. The Mariners like to challenge their prospects, so DeJesus stands a good chance of making his pro debut with Wisconsin at age 18.
Minor League Top Prospects
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DeJesus signed for $1 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2007. Making his pro debut this summer, he lit up the Rookie-level Arizona League--ranking No. 3 on that Top 20--before bringing his raw power to the NWL. He hit 10 homers between the two leagues in 2008 and should become even more dangerous as he adds more muscle. There's some disagreement on how much he'll hit for average. He's too pull-conscious and needs better pitch recognition, but he also held his own at age 18 against older competition. A former shortstop, DeJesus had one of the strongest infield arms in the NWL. He's still working on his footwork at the hot corner. He has average speed and likely will slow down a little as he gets bigger. -
DeJesus made his pro debut in the AZL this summer after the Mariners signed him out of the Dominican Republic for $1 million in 2007. Originally a shortstop, he grew out of the position and moved to third base. He has enough bat for his new position, as he hit .339 with six homers before earning an early-August promotion to the Northwest League. DeJesus should add more power as he grows stronger. His biggest needs at the plate are to improve his pitch recognition and his ability to drive balls to the opposite field. He's an average runner who probably will lose a step as he fills out his 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame. His shortstop instincts transferred well to the hot corner, and he has solid arm strength. Mariners managers Andy Bottin also praised DeJesus' work ethic.
