5 Puerto Rican players who could shake up Draft
There have been 649 players drafted out of Puerto Rico since the island became subject to the Draft in 1989, and more are on the way. The list includes names like Carlos Correa (2012), Edwin Díaz ('12), José Berríos ('12) and Eddie Rosario ('10).
This year, more than 20 prospects out of Puerto Rico are expected to be selected in the Draft. These are five players from Puerto Rico to watch this year:
Matthew Lugo, shortstop, Manati
The highest-ranked prospect (No. 36) from Puerto Rico in this year’s class, Lugo is an advanced hitter with upside, and he has the potential to impact the top of the lineup. He has also some power potential.
On defense, Lugo is a true shortstop who also has the ability to play second base, center field and third base. He’s an average runner with good instincts honed at the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy under the guidance of his uncle, Carlos Beltran.
Lugo has committed to the University of Miami.
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Yan Contreras, shortstop, San Lorenzo
Contreras is a good athlete with a projectable frame, and he has a chance to stay at shortstop because of his solid defensive actions and arm strength. He’s an average to slightly above-average runner and he shows a good approach at the plate. Contreras has shown some raw power, as well, and it could increase as he develops. Overall, his tools, body and athleticism allow for big upside and improved performance in games.
Contreras has committed to San Jacinto Community College.
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Dilan Rosario, shortstop, Morovis
Rosario has a projectable frame and the overall skill set to stay at shortstop. He has shown strength on both sides of the ball and good running ability, but like most players his age, he will have to improve on his offensive approach. Once Rosario's bat tool clicks, he’ll have enough power to hit anywhere in the lineup and play second base, third base or shortstop on the professional level.
Rosario has committed to the University of Southern California.
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Erik Rivera, outfield/pitcher, Caguas
Rivera is a two-way prospect with tools that allow for him to be a position player and pitching prospect. He has tons of arm strength and raw power. At the plate, he has a feel for hitting. On the mound, the left-handed Rivera has shown a good delivery and arm action. His fastball has been clocked in the mid-90s. He’s raw but with lots of upside. He is still working on his command and secondary pitches.
Rivera has committed to Florida International.
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Victor Torres, catcher, Las Piedras
The teenage Torres might be one of the best defensive catchers overall in the Draft. Torres is known for his outstanding throwing ability, and he’s very athletic behind the plate. He’s made strides offensively and there is some upside to his game, but for now, Torres is known as defense-first player. But that could change as he grows and develops.
Torres has committed to Northwest Florida State College.
The 2019 Draft will take place on June 3-5, beginning with the Draft preview show on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m. ET on Monday. MLB Network will broadcast the first 41 picks (Round 1 and Competitive Balance Round A), while MLB.com will stream all 78 picks on Day 1. MLB.com will also provide live pick-by-pick coverage of Rounds 3-10 on Day 2, beginning with a preview show at 12:30 p.m. ET. Then, Rounds 11-40 can be heard live on MLB.com on Day 3, beginning at noon ET.
Go to MLB.com/Draft to see the Top 200 Prospects list, mock drafts from MLB Pipeline analysts Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo, the complete order of selection and more. And follow @MLBDraft on Twitter to see what Draft hopefuls, clubs and experts are saying.