Name: Jose Pujols
Position: OF
Bats: RH
Throws: RH
DOB: September 29, 1995
Height: 6′ 4″
Weight: 185
Drafted: Signed as a non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic on July 2, 2012, $540,000 signing bonus
Pre Draft Report: Pujols was Baseball America’s #20 international free agent in the 2012 July 2 class. Pujols is already big with a frame that has room to put on a ton of muscle as he matures. His raw power and bat speed are what makes him intriguing, his power has drawn comparisons to Giancarlo Stanton and he won the DPL home run derby at age 15. The problem is that he has yet to make consistent game contact and most of his damage has been done during batting practice and workouts. Defensively Pujols is destined for an outfield corner where he should be adequate defensively but not spectacular. Overall he has drawn comparisons to former Phillies signee Domingo Santana.
Career Synopsis:
Scouting Report: Below is an assessment of Pujols’s raw tools, rated on the traditional 20-80 scouting scale. The grades are my estimation based on what I’ve read and those I’ve talked to. The second number is a future projection, the first number is the current assessment
Hit For Average:
Hit For Power:
Fielding:
Throwing Arm:
Speed:
Summary: There really is no way to put tool grades on Pujols yet, he has huge raw power and a very quick swing but he has tons of contact issues. He has a right field profile defensively but he has a frame that could put on a ton of weight so his ultimate position will be decided as he physically matures.
Upside: Pujols’ upside is enormous with the potential to be a RH with 80 power and at least a plus hit tool, but he is eons away from that. While his swing is incredibly fast he is pull centric with a lot of uppercut in an effort to hit home runs, additionally it is not a quiet swing with a lot of moving parts. The Phillies will likely work to clean up that swing without sacrificing the bat speed or power. Pujols has a very projectable frame but no one knows how much muscle he will put on and whether that will cost him athleticism or just add to his strength. Look for Pujols to be held back in Extended Spring Training in 2013 before making his debut in the GCL.
Videos:
DPL scouting video (includes some batting practice with some fielding)
Articles
Profile updated: 10/15/12
