Antonio Pinero Stats & Scouting Report

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Pinero originally signed with the Red Sox for $300,000 during the 2016 international signing period, but his contract was voided because of a rules violation and the Brewers got him for a mere $75,000. Coming out of the Dominican Summer League at age 18, he skipped the Rookie-level Arizona League. What was obvious immediately was that Pinero had superior defensive skills. His arm is not particularly powerful but he has everything else you want at shortstop--range, soft hands, smooth actions around the bag. Still skinny and needing to gain strength, Pinero has the makings of a plus defender, turning in many highlight plays that drew attention. He was mostly overmatched offensively, basically swinging to make contact rather than work counts and make pitchers throw the ball over the plate. Scouts believe Pinero has the potential to hit because he has a short, compact swing and good hand-eye coordination. It's merely a matter of maturing, filling out and learning what pitchers are trying to do to him. If Pinero hits at all, he'll advance because of his defensive skills. He set to see low Class A Wisconsin.

Originally signed by the Red Sox in 2015, Pinero was one of five Venezuelan players removed from the Boston organization for what Major League Baseball determined to be bonus pool circumvention. The Brewers were able to sign him in 2016 for $375,000 with only $75,000 counting towards Milwaukee's bonus pool. The switch-hitting shortstop was challenged with an assignment to Helena, and his inexperience certainly showed at the plate. The undersized youngster struggled to drive the ball. He has the potential to develop as a hitter with added strength, because he barrels balls with a swing geared for contact and has very good hand-eye coordination. Pinero has the potential to be special defensive player at shortstop. He regularly made highlight reel plays for Helena. He's an average runner, and while he doesn't look fast down the line, he shows better speed on the field and has good first step quickness.