2. Delvin Perez, SS
Birthdate: 11/24/98 (18 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie
Stats in 2016: .294/.352/.393, 12 SB
Arguably the most talented player in the entire 2016 draft as far as raw tools are concerned, Perez went from a top-5 pick to falling to the Cardinals at #23 overall when he tested positive for a performance enhancing drug in pre-draft tests.
Perez came out and rewarded the Cardinals’ faith in his skills, showing as one of the toughest outs in the GCL, and showing absolutely blazing speed on the bases, disrupting pitchers constantly.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Perez defensively probably is already at an average level for a major league shortstop. He handles the position well, has a tremendously strong arm, and has soft hands. He does get into a rush at times and fires wildly with that big arm, but that will come with maturity. Overall, he rates as a plus shortstop.
I’d personally put a 70 on his speed tool, and he has not only the top-end speed after he gets going, but he also showed very good quick feet when taking off out of the batter’s box or on a steal attempt. Using that level of speed can completely disrupt the game.
Perez has a naturally physical build that would lead to future power as he grows into his swing. Right now, he has a very aggressive approach in his swing, but he gets good contact. As he learns to sit back into his swing and be patient on pitches, he’ll be able to drive pitches well with his excellent power he generates with his bat speed.
Perez could be pushed up to low-A this season, or the Cardinals may want to see him in advanced rookie or short-season A ball to start 2017, but if he keeps playing the way he did in 2016, he’ll be on the fast track for sure.
Next: #1