Elmer Reyes

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #29 prospect in 2015
  Reyes signed as an 18-year-old out of Nicaragua and has made a methodical climb through the organization, reaching Triple-A Gwinnett in 2014. His steady performance has pushed him past more talented, higher-dollar players at every level. Reyes is a smooth defender at shortstop with a quick first step, above-average lateral range and soft hands. He has above-average arm strength and a quick release that allows him to make throws from the hole or going up the middle. Aggressive at the plate with a good approach, Reyes stands upright and sprays line drives from gap to gap. The ball does not jump off his bat, but he has doubles power. He has a decent feel for the strike zone but doesn't draw many walks, and his average speed doesn't lead to stolen bases. Reyes' glove helps profile him as a utility infielder. He's on the 40-man roster but likely will start 2015 back at Gwinnett.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #21 prospect in 2011
  The Braves' improved depth at shortstop led them to shift Reyes to second base last season, his first in the United States. Signed as an 18-year-old out of Nicaragua, he played for both of Atlanta's Rookie-level affiliates last season and displayed excellent instincts in the field. He's a smooth defender who has the arm strength to play shortstop, along with a quick release. He has a quick first step with soft hands and consistently makes plays. At the plate, Reyes has surprising power for his size, with a good approach and the ability to put the barrel on the ball. To maximize his potential, he needs to get stronger, show more patience at the plate and make some changes to his stance. He tends to wrap his bat so far that it's nearly pointing at the pitcher. He loads and uncoils well, but he has a long path to the ball and scouts say his swing will make it hard to succeed at higher levels. He also must shorten his stroke with two strikes. Reyes isn't a burner, but he runs well once he gets going. He remains a work in progress, but the Braves like the early returns. He'll spend 2011 in low Class A.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  Reyes signed as an 18-year-old out of Nicaragua and has made a methodical climb through the organization, reaching Triple-A Gwinnett in 2014. His steady performance has pushed him past more talented, higher-dollar players at every level. Reyes is a smooth defender at shortstop with a quick first step, above-average lateral range and soft hands. He has above-average arm strength and a quick release that allows him to make throws from the hole or going up the middle. Aggressive at the plate with a good approach, Reyes stands upright and sprays line drives from gap to gap. The ball does not jump off his bat, but he has doubles power. He has a decent feel for the strike zone but doesn't draw many walks, and his average speed doesn't lead to stolen bases. Reyes' glove helps profile him as a utility infielder. He's on the 40-man roster but likely will start 2015 back at Gwinnett.