Derian Cruz
| AB | 717 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .22 |
| OBP | .262 |
| SLG | .308 |
| HR | 6 |
- Full name Derian Isaias Cruz
- Born 10/03/1998 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: S / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Braves signed Cruz for $2 million in 2015, making him their highest-paid player on the international market that year, and he played his way through two Rookie levels in his pro debut in 2016. An impressive athlete with plus-plus speed, Cruz is raw in many facets of the game. He is a natural righthanded hitter learning how to switch-hit. He employs a line-drive approach with solid gap power from the right side, but often is off-balance and struggles to hit with authority from the left side. Cruz is aggressive at the plate with little discipline or strike-zone judgment. Given his speed, some feel he needs to make bunting a bigger part of his game. Defensively he makes the routine plays at shortstop but needs to needs to improve his game awareness. His hands are soft and he has quick feet, but his overall footwork needs improvement. Cruz has shown an above-average arm but can be timid cutting loose on his throws. The Braves are confident Cruz can work through his struggles, particularly given his age. Spring training will determine whether he returns to Rookie-level Danville or moves up to low Class A Rome to open 2017.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Cruz's explosive athleticism made him one of the top international prospects last year, when the Braves signed him for $2 million. He spent a month in the GCL before the Braves promoted him and center fielder Cristian Pache to Rookie-level Danville. Cruz struggled after the promotion but is a dynamic athlete with well above-average speed. He accelerates in a hurry with a quick first step and gliding strides. Cruz still has a ways to go at the plate. The switch-hitter shows more promise from the right side, where he has a line-drive approach with solid bat-to-ball skills. From the left side his weight drifts out front early and he loses his balance with less ability to drive the ball. Cruz has gap power now and could grow into double-digit homers. His biggest red flag at the plate is his tendency to swing at everything, so he will have to show more selectivity. Cruz has a chance to stay at shortstop, where he has good range and footwork, though his lack of game awareness shows at times. Some scouts wonder whether he might end up in center field or at second base, in part because of an inconsistent arm. Cruz shows solid-average throwing ability when he gathers his feet underneath him, but he needs work on his exchange, release and angle. -
Cruz signed for $2 million as the Braves' most expensive international signee in 2015. He made his pro debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League this summer and quickly earned a promotion to Danville. While he struggled in the Appy League, he flashes an intriguing package of raw tools. Originally a righthanded hitter, Cruz has learned to switch-hit as a professional. His lefthanded swing is raw, but as a righty hitter, he can drive the ball to the gaps with surprising thump. While he doesn't project as a significant power threat, he should be able to impact the ball enough. Defensively, Cruz has plus hands and smooth actions at shortstop, though he'll need to improve the consistency of his glove work and get better at controlling his body. Multiple evaluators noted above-average arm strength in extended spring training, but he showed a well below-average arm in Danville. His footwork and core strength are lacking at present. His weaknesses are concerning but not deal-breakers given his youth.
