Cristhian Adames isn’t a sexy prospect and will never be a difference making everyday player in the big leagues, but he could be an excellent utility man and fill in shortstop for the oft-injured Troy Tulowitzki.
More from MLB Prospects
- Is Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ivan Melendez the next Pete Alonso?
- Los Angeles Dodgers prospect talk: Catching up with Hunter Feduccia
- MLBPA secures major victory for Minor League Baseball players
- Phillies: Breaking down the prospects fighting for an Opening Day spot
- What the XFL can learn from minor league baseball
At the plate, Adames can hit for an ok average from both sides of the plate, but is about as far from a power threat as it gets as a left hander, and only mildly more threatening from the right side of the plate. He has 17 home runs in 2,296 trips to the plate in the minor leagues and has a good eye at the plate, making his on-base percentage painfully close to his slugging, .342 to .357.
Adames won’t wow you with his speed either as he has topped out with 13 steals last season while being caught seven times. Where Adames does standout is with the glove.
He is a true shortstop with excellent reads off the bat and a very strong arm. His hips are very smooth around the second base bag, and he has more range than you would expect given his speed. He has also seen time at second and third in the minors, which is a bonus given he probably fits in best as a do-everything utility infielder for the Rockies.
His approach at the plate and defensive chops will make him valuable piece off the bench for the Rockies in the coming years. With Tulowitzki on the DL and the Rockies at the bottom of the NL West, there is no better time to give him a shot than now.