• Full name Yunel Almenares Escobar
  • Born 11/02/1982 in Havana, Cuba
  • Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Matires De Barbados
  • Debut 06/02/2007
  • Drafted in the 2nd round (75th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2005 (signed for $475,000).
    View Draft Report
    Escobar is one of five Cuban defectors who had sought entry into the 2005 draft, ostensibly to get around the visa restrictions that were expected to hamper players from foreign countries. While the visa problems have since been remedied, Escobar and his cohorts are still in the draft, and he was rumored to be one of the players the Red Sox could take among their six selections in the first 59 picks. Scouts said Escobar stood out from the group because of his defensive polish, stature and strength. They said he has the bat speed and the strength in his hands to drive the ball from gap to gap, and they expect him to have enough of an offensive upside to go in the first five rounds pick on the strength of his bat alone. He pushes himself higher with his defensive skills, including a strong arm and plenty of range. Scouts were judging Escobar off games he was playing at Braddock High against recently released players, junior college players and other semi-pros. Escobar also will have to overcome the language and cultural obstacles that have felled other Cuban defectors.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the International League in 2007
  • Rated Best Defensive SS in the International League in 2007
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Southern League in 2006

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