Carlos Munoz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #31 prospect in 2016
  Munoz spent his first three seasons playing in Latin American summer leagues and showed little the first two years before showing flashes of power in 2013 in the Dominican Republic. Munoz had a breakout last season and he was named the Appalachian League player of the year at Rookie-level Bristol with a dominant season. However, the excitement about his success was also tempered because he was old for the competition level. Munoz has developed excellent power and his offense was enhanced further by a very good eye at the plate. Despite his stocky build, Munoz is a decent athlete who has become an above-average defensive first baseman, though he does not run well. There is a fear that weight could become an issue for Munoz as he gets older, though it hasn't hampered to this point. Time will tell if Munoz's excellent 2015 season was age-related mirage or a true breakout. He will get the chance to prove himself this year at low Class A West Virginia in his first exposure to a full-season league.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked National League #20 prospect in 2015
  Munoz signed with the Pirates in May 2011 but did not advance past the complex leagues until this year, when he enjoyed a breakout season at Bristol. He led the Appy League with a .587 slugging percentage and ranked among the leaders with a .325 average, 11 homers and 21 doubles to win the circuit's MVP award. Munoz is a lefthanded hitter with a stocky build and compact arms. He has shown outstanding raw power as a professional, and that power began to translate into game action this summer. Munoz has sound strike-zone discipline and shows the ability to square up plus velocity as well as breaking pitches. He will need to work on driving pitches to the opposite field more consistently, but his strong work ethic and professional routine are encouraging signs that he can improve. Defensively, Munoz will be limited to first base. He doesn't move exceptionally well laterally, and will need to continue to work on his agility and glove work, but he has a chance to become an adequate first baseman. If his bat continues to progress, he has a chance to establish himself as a legitimate offense-first prospect.

• December, 2015 Scouting Report
  Munoz spent his first three seasons playing in Latin American summer leagues and showed little the first two years before showing flashes of power in 2013 in the Dominican Republic. Munoz had a breakout last season and he was named the Appalachian League player of the year at Rookie-level Bristol with a dominant season. However, the excitement about his success was also tempered because he was old for the competition level. Munoz has developed excellent power and his offense was enhanced further by a very good eye at the plate. Despite his stocky build, Munoz is a decent athlete who has become an above-average defensive first baseman, though he does not run well. There is a fear that weight could become an issue for Munoz as he gets older, though it hasn't hampered to this point. Time will tell if Munoz's excellent 2015 season was age-related mirage or a true breakout. He will get the chance to prove himself this year at low Class A West Virginia in his first exposure to a full-season league.