Already an elite defender, C prospect Vellojín making strides offensively

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- When Reds catching prospect Daniel Vellojín was asked via an interpreter on Wednesday afternoon about his success throwing out basestealers, a smile crept across his face that needed no translation.

Go ahead baserunners, take your best shot. Vellojín is ready. Last season for Low-A Daytona, the 21-year-old threw out 43 percent of those attempting to steal.

“I love it,” Vellojín said via translator Julio Morillo. “It’s something I always look for. Is this guy going to run or not? I want them to run, because that’s a time for me to show all my potential. I take pride in it. In the offseason and Spring Training, I work on my mechanics, arm strength and accuracy [of] the throws -- which is something I enjoy. During the season, hopefully those guys are running so I can throw them out.”

Ranked by MLB Pipeline as Cincinnati’s No. 19 prospect, Vellojín has received high marks for his overall defense. He’s considered a plus thrower and receiver and has already developed a reputation for working well with his pitchers.

Signed out of Cartagena, Colombia, for $10,000 in 2018, Vellojín played two seasons in the Dominican Summer League before losing the 2020 season because of the pandemic. Offensively, Vellojín hasn’t rated as highly as his defense, but he’s been working hard to change that perception.

The 2021 season for Daytona trended well in that regard as the lefty hitter batted .247 with an .804 OPS, seven home runs and 34 RBIs. With 72 walks compared to 73 strikeouts, Vellojín also demonstrated excellent strike-zone recognition.

“Vellojín is the guy,” Reds vice president of player development Shawn Pender said. “He didn’t play Rookie ball. We just jumped him right there after he came from the Dominican. We watched him for two weeks in the 2020 instructional league, and it was like, ‘Who the hell is this kid?’ We knew, but he had gotten bigger, the bat was really playing. He’s always had good arm strength and gets on base. Two years ago, he had a kid body. Now he’s got a man body. He’s really developed well.”

Playing for the first time in the United States last season, Vellojín got off to a slow start that included a 1-for-10 stretch to begin the year. But he gained momentum as Daytona’s season wore on and had a pair of three-hit games in September.

“I had a really slow start in Daytona, but after that, I watched my videos and recognized what I was doing wrong at the plate and defensively, too,” Vellojín said. “I had the support of my teammates and the coaching staff to bump up my confidence and then go out to play and perform. I think that’s what made the difference as the season went on. I understand I have responsibility, but I also have to have fun playing the game.

“I found out it’s the same baseball as the Dominican or Colombia when you come over here. Obviously, the level is higher, but my mentality is to get 1% better every single day.”

The Reds have had a history of developing homegrown catchers in recent years, including Ryan Hanigan, Devin Mesoraco, Tucker Barnhart and most recently, Tyler Stephenson.

There are other catchers in the system the Reds are high on like Matheu Nelson (No. 9 prospect), Jackson Miller (No. 25) and Mark Kolozsvary (No. 26).

Pender credited Reds scouting and also the development side with coaches like Corky Miller and Nate Irving and Major League catching coach J.R. House.

“They’ve really done a great job of putting together a comprehensive plan,” Pender said. “When we get a kid, they get a plan all the way through. It’s been a strength of the organization.”

Offseason surgery on his right hand prevented Vellojín from taking swings or playing winter ball. He was among those playing early at Reds Minor League camp since the middle of last month, ahead of the full camp that begins workouts on Friday.

In cage work and while facing pitchers, Vellojín is showing he can keep progressing as a hitter.

“I will make the adjustments in early camp and Spring Training,” he said. “I feel really confident at the plate right now. I feel l am seeing the pitches really well right now, so hopefully I can make those adjustments so when the season starts, I am ready to go.”