Toronto Blue Jays top ten prospects for 2020
By David Hill
7. Miguel Hiraldo
Minors (RK, A): 260 plate appearances, .299/.346/.485, 20 doubles, seven homers, 11 steals, 14 walks, 36 strikeouts
It is difficult to project players in the Rookie Leagues, but Miguel Hiraldo had an impressive first full season stateside for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Considered by some to be the top hitter in his international free agency class, he certainly did not disappoint in his professional debut in 2018. Hiraldo continued to impress with the bat in his first full season, culminating in a one game taste of the Midwest League. All in all, it was quite the season for the 18 year old prospect.
Hiraldo displayed that offensive ability last season as well, as he made contact at an above average rate. That contact ability did not lead to a decrease in power, as he gets natural loft with a quick, compact swing and a strong feel for putting the barrel on the ball. However, Hiraldo also pulled more than half of the pitches he made contact on, highlighting a potential issue down the road. If that success is going to continue in the upper levels of the minors, he will need to learn to use the entire field.
There are also questions about Hiraldo on defense. He does not have great speed or range, but relies on his impressive athleticism and strong arm to make plays. If he can hit enough, Hiraldo may end up at third, but it is more likely that he becomes a second baseman or utility infielder. However, he will need to make adjustments for that to happen.
Miguel Hiraldo may be one of the more difficult Toronto Blue Jays prospects to project. There is a chance that he ends up as a solid major league player given his hit tool, but his pull happy approach may very well leave him stranded in the minors if he does not make the necessary adjustments.