BA GRADE
45
Risk: Extreme
Born: June 1, 1999. B-T: L-L. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 155. Drafted: HS—Gurabo, P.R., 2017 (9th round). Signed by: Rafael Santo Domingo/Dan Rovetto.
The Mariners went heavy on college players early in the 2017 draft, but found room on their draft board for an extreme projection play in Benitez.
Drafted in the ninth round from his high school in Puerto Rico, Benitez signed for $150,000 and began his pro career with an inconsistent performance in the Rookie-level Arizona League. The lean, lanky Benitez intrigues with a free and easy, whippy lefthanded delivery from a low-three-quarters arm slot. He got his fastball up to 91-92 mph by the end of the summer after earlier sitting in the upper 80s. Benitez’s frame certainly has room to add strength, so more velocity is expected. He also shows an ability to spin his breaking ball. While Benitez shows two promising pitches, he was very wild in his pro debut.
Benitez is extremely raw and going to take a lot of time to develop. He needs at least one more full year, possibly two, before he’ll be ready for full-season ball. He is slated to return to the AZL in 2018.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
W |
L |
ERA |
G |
GS |
2017 |
Mariners (AZL) |
R |
1 |
0 |
7.82 |
13 |
10 |
Minor League Totals |
1 |
0 |
7.82 |
13 |
10 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
CG |
SV |
IP |
H |
HR |
2017 |
Mariners (AZL) |
0 |
0 |
25 |
28 |
1 |
Minor League Totals |
0 |
0 |
25 |
28 |
1 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
BB |
SO |
K/9 |
WHIP |
AVG |
2017 |
Mariners (AZL) |
20 |
24 |
8.5 |
1.89 |
.280 |
Minor League Totals |
20 |
24 |
8.5 |
1.89 |
.280 |
|