Johan Cruz
| AB | 1910 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .237 |
| OBP | .302 |
| SLG | .341 |
| HR | 30 |
- Full name Johan Isidro Cruz
- Born 10/08/1995 in Guananico, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 188 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Cruz signed for $450,000 in September 2012, then proceeded to hit a cumulative .177 in his first 407 at-bats in the Dominican Summer League and Rookie-level Arizona League in 2013 and 2014. An offseason of conditioning work prepared Cruz for the daily grind at Rookie-level Great Falls in 2015, and he met the challenge by hitting .312 and ranking eighth in the Pioneer League batting race. He stood more upright in his stance in 2015 and frequently squared the ball with a sound righthanded swing he used to drive both gaps. He has occasional loft power to his pull side but profiles more as an average hitter with fringe power. Cruz played mostly third base for Great Falls in 2015 in deference to college senior Grant Massey, a 26th-round pick, but scouts like him best at shortstop, his natural position. While he is a no better than average runner, Cruz has good hands and double-plus arm strength, with an ability to throw from all angles and a great internal clock that ensures he never rushes a throw. Lacking in power and speed, he must continue to shine defensively and collect his share of hits to profile as utility infielder.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Cruz may be one of the best development stories coming out of the Pioneer League this season. Signed by the White Sox in 2012 for $450,000, he made his U.S. debut last summer in the Rookie-level Arizona League and struggled mightily with the bat. Cruz has a lean frame and had a good swing last season, but he lacked the strength to impact the ball. An offseason of work gave Cruz the ability to square balls up and hit line drives into the gaps with the occasional ball over the fence. Cruz moved from his natural shortstop position to third base this summer to fill a team need, and he's at least an above-average defender at both spots with a plus-plus arm and excellent hands. He's a slightly below-average runner but can get faster with more strength. "If he makes half the improvements from this year to next year that he made from last year to this year, he might be something," Great Falls manager Cole Armstrong said. "He's been fun to watch."
