Jean Segura

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #2 prospect in 2012
  After a broken ankle in 2009 and broken finger in 2009, Segura stayed healthy and showed electrifying tools during a 2010 breakout at low Class A Cedar Rapids. But the injury bug returned with a vengeance last year as he missed all but 44 games with a torn hamstring. The Angels still protected him on the 40-man roster in November. Segura matured as a hitter in 2011, demonstrating a willingness to use the entire field and a more patient approach that put him in hitter's counts more frequently. His strength and explosive, quick-twitch actions excite evaluators almost as much as his short, direct swing. His bat is lightning-quick, and he could consistently bat .290 with as many as 20 homers at his peak because he hits all types of pitches. Scouts regard Segura as an above-average runner, though they qualify that grade by describing his body type as "heavy-legged" or "thick." His arm also grades as plus, which prompted the Angels to move Segura from second base to shortstop last year. His hands and throwing accuracy probably won't play at the position longterm. He has average range at both spots. Segura has the arm strength to handle third base, but the Angels would like to keep him in the middle infield. He could play shortstop as he climbs to Double-A, but most expect that he'll man the keystone in the majors, and no later than 2013--if he stays healthy.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #3 prospect in 2011
  Though the Angels signed Segura with little fanfare in January 2007, he quickly has developed into one of the organization's most dynamic prospects. A broken ankle in 2008 and a broken finger in 2009 truncated his first two seasons in the United States, but he stayed healthy and ranked third in the Midwest League in batting (.313) and steals (50) last season. An aggressive hitter, Segura makes frequent contact and hits the ball to all fields. Stocky, strong and athletic, he generates the bat speed to hit for average power down the road, especially to his pull side. He takes his share of walks and steals bases with plus running speed. Though managers rated him the MWL's best defensive second baseman, Segura suffers from occasional concentration lapses. His arm strength is plus and his hands are clean, but he flubs routine plays on occasion. Some scouts are concerned that his thick lower half could eventually lead to diminished range and quickness. The Angels played Segura at shortstop during instructional league and plan to try him there when he moves up to high Class A in 2011. It's a no-lose proposition: If he can't handle shortstop defensively, he has more than enough bat to develop into a quality regular at second.
• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #13 prospect in 2010
  Segura's U.S. debut in 2008 was marred by an infield collision that ended his season after 11 games and resulted in a pin being inserted in his ankle. More bad luck followed last year, when he broke a finger in an Aug. 5 game sliding headfirst into second base. The injuries can't mute his intriguing blend of tools, headlined by a feel for hitting that could give him a chance to win a batting title one day. Hitting appears to come easy to Segura, who features exceptional bat speed and a compact, slashing approach that produces line drives to all fields. He hits both fastballs and breaking balls, showing advanced barrel awareness and a knack for contact. Short but with powerful legs, Segura is a plus-plus runner who could fit at the top of a lineup if he matures as a basestealer. He has a chance to develop above-average power for a second baseman. Segura is limited to second, where his arm is above-average but his range and defensive instincts are a bit short. He's cocky and wears his emotions on his sleeve, so he would benefit from a toned-down approach. He's ready for full-season ball and the Angels would love to see him stay healthy for the entire year in low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Texas League #12 prospect in 2012
  Segura made a seamless transition to Double-A to start the season, and made his major league debut at the end of July when Erick Aybar got hurt. He wasn't in Los Angeles long, however, getting traded to the Brewers in a deadline deal for Zack Greinke. The Brewers returned Segura to Double-A (in the Southern League) for about a week before bringing him to Milwaukee for the rest of the season. Segura has a quick stroke, strong hands and the ability to use the whole field. The ball jumps off his bat and he could hit 10-20 homers per season. His plate discipline still needs work, but he goes to the plate with a plan and shows an ability to make adjustments. Most scouts think Segura can stay at shortstop, though he also has played second base and could slide over to third if his strong, compact body gets thicker. He has enough range for shortstop, sure hands and a strong arm to make plays in the hole. He also has above-average speed and solid instincts on the bases.
• 
  Ranked California League #13 prospect in 2011
  After a breakout 2010 season in which he hit .313 with 50 steals in low Class A, Segura picked up where he left off and batted .344 with 13 steals in April. But he tore a hamstring and missed stretches of time in May before going on the disabled list for three months. When healthy, Segura is an electric player. He creates hard contact with plenty of bat speed at the plate and drives ball into to the gaps. He uses above-average speed to stretch singles into doubles and is an advanced baserunner. The Angels moved him to shortstop from second base before the season because he has the plus arm and soft hands to handle the more difficult position. The only question is his stocky build, which could limit his long-term range.
• 
  Ranked Midwest League #12 prospect in 2010
  Segura led the MWL with 161 hits and earned the managers' nod as the league's best defensive second baseman, continuing a tradition of Cedar Rapids stars at his position started by Alberto Callaspo and Howie Kendrick. He's faster than either of them, and he has more power than Callaspo and better defensive skills than Kendrick. Stocky and compact, Segura has surprising bat speed and raw power. He stays inside the ball well and can lace hits to the opposite field, or he can turn on pitches and do some damage if pitchers challenge him inside. He makes consistent contact, gets on base and uses his plus speed to steal bases. Segura has an uncommonly strong arm for a second baseman. If he had a quicker first step, he might be able to handle playing shortstop. He'll have to settle for playing a good second base, though he'll have to maintain his conditioning so his thick lower half doesn't go south on him.
• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #6 prospect in 2009
  Signed out of the Dominican in 2007, Segura had his U.S. debut last year marred by an infield collision that resulted in a broken ankle and a pin being inserted in the bone. More bad luck followed this year, when Segura's season ended Aug. 5 when he broke a finger sliding headfirst into second base. But the injuries can't mute Segura's intriguing blend of tools. "He may be the best position player prospect in the league," Orem manager Tom Kotchman said. "He has enough athleticism to play next to [Angels shortstop Erick] Aybar one day." Though he's listed at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, Segura appears strong and not skinny. His righthanded swing is quick and short to the ball. He excels at making contact, hits line drives to all fields and projects to have average power for a middle infielder. A plus-plus runner with powerful legs, he projects as a top-of-the-order hitter. Despite his speed, Segura's range and defensive instincts are a bit short. He's limited to second base, where his arm is above-average for the position. Observers thought he showed an overly emotional side that he figures to outgrow.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #55 prospect in 2012
• Ranked Baseball America's #57 prospect in 2011

• December, 2011 Scouting Report
  Background: After a broken ankle in 2008 and broken finger in 2009, Segura stayed healthy and broke out in 2010 at low Class A Cedar Rapids. But the injury bug returned last year as he missed all but 52 games with a torn hamstring.Scouting Report: Segura matured as a hitter in 2011, demonstrating a willingness to use the entire field and a more patient approach that put him in hitter's counts more frequently. His strength and explosive, quick-twitch actions excite evaluators almost as much as his short, direct swing. His bat is lightning-quick, and he could consistently bat .290 with as many as 20 homers at his peak because he hits all types of pitches. Scouts regard Segura as an above-average runner, though they qualify that grade by describing his body type as "heavy-legged" or "thick." His arm also grades as plus, which prompted the Angels to move Segura from second base to shortstop last year. His hands and throwing accuracy probably won't play at the position long-term. He has average range at both spots.The Future: Despite his injuries, the Angels protected Segura on the 40-man roster in November. He could play shortstop as he climbs to Double-A, but most scouts expect him to man the keystone in the majors, and no later than 2013--if he stays healthy.