BILL MITCHELL
BILL MITCHELL
BA GRADE
55
Risk: Extreme
HIT: 45.
POW: 60.
SPD: 60.
FLD: 50.
ARM: 55.
Born: Dec. 26, 1998. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS—Carolina, P.R., 2017 (5th round). Signed by: Edwards Guzman.
The Cubs invested in Puerto Rico by hiring former big leaguer Edwards Guzman as a scout focused on the island’s prep talent. He gave the Cubs the information to crosscheck Velazquez early, so when he popped at May’s Excellence Games event—Puerto Rico’s top predraft showcase—the Cubs were ready and made him the first position player they drafted in 2017.
Velazquez showed some rust in his pro debut because he sat out about six weeks after the draft before playing in the Rookie-level Arizona League, but he showed electric tools once he played. His eight homers tied for third in the league, and he produces power with bat speed, present strength and more feel to hit than was expected. His plus-plus raw power grades above his hitting ability, but he has some natural feel for the barrel. His approach is raw, as are some aspects of his defense, but he’s a plus runner if not better underway and has a solid-average arm.
With his power and athleticism, Velazquez likely will fit the right-field profile, though any outfield spot is possible. His aptitude will determine how quickly he moves, but he likely will be in extended spring training to start 2018.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
R |
.236 |
32 |
110 |
26 |
26 |
Minor League Totals |
.236 |
32 |
110 |
26 |
26 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
5 |
2 |
8 |
17 |
15 |
Minor League Totals |
5 |
2 |
8 |
17 |
15 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
39 |
5 |
2 |
.333 |
.536 |
Minor League Totals |
39 |
5 |
2 |
.333 |
.536 |
|