Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: International Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico)
Position: Shortstop
Height: 6′ 3”
Weight: 165 lb.
Bats: R
Throws: R
Delvin Perez MLB Draft Profile
Delvin Perez hopes to be the next in a long line of Puerto Rican players ready to enter professional baseball. Thanks partly to his raw talent and MLB’s focus on reviving baseball in this part of the world, Perez has had many opportunities to showcase his talents. Last fall, Perez performed superbly in the World Wood Bat Association World Championship in Jupiter, Florida. He was one of 160 high schoolers picked for the MLB showcase, a three-day clinic that includes a pro-style workout and a game on Wednesday and doubleheaders Thursday and Friday to finish out the event. Four teams were formed, made up of players from different regions on the island. Perez practices six times a week and is getting instruction from former Puerto Rican Major League players now working for MLB’s development program.
Strengths:
- Excellent defense, ability to make a flashy play
- Speedy on the basepaths
- Good instincts
- Raw talent
Weaknesses:
- Plate approach
- Pitch recognition
MLB Comparison: Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros
Projected pick range: 1-10
Most likely landing spot: San Diego Padres
Bottom Line:
The 2012 Draft was a big one in Puerto Rico, with shortstop Carlos Correa going No. 1 overall, and four players going in the top three rounds. Since then, a Puerto Rican player hasn’t been drafted before the third round. It appears that will change in 2016, once again thanks to a talented shortstop. Delvin Perez ranked No. 10 on MLB Pipeline’s list of top draft prospects, and should be selected in the first round, perhaps as high as the top ten, as long as teams can determine if his bat will pan out.
Sources: MLB.com, Fansided, MLB Prospect Watch
Main Photo via YouTube.com
