Axiel Plaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #28 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme.
  
  Track Record: The Pirates signed Plaz out of Venezuela in 2022. Some within the organization ticketed him as a potential breakout after he was a Dominican Summer League all-star and instructional league standout that year. Injuries derailed his follow-up campaign, but Plaz bounced back in 2024 with Low-A Bradenton. The 18-year-old hit .207/.303/.438 with the sixth-most homers in the Florida State League (15) while striking out 29.2% of the time in 76 games.
  
  Scouting Report: Despite his age, Plaz’s 106.4 mph 90th percentile exit velocity was one of the top marks among all Pirates minor leaguers in 2024. The thickly-built backstop has plus impact potential, already shows an ability to lift and pull his best contact and performed well against velocity. Plaz is a free swinger, though, and will need to considerably tighten his approach and swing decisions as he climbs the ladder. The Pirates worked with Plaz in Bradenton on improving his bat path to try to get his swing more on plane and curb some of the swing-and-miss. His receiving also needs work behind the plate, where he has an above-average throwing arm and threw out 25% of potential basestealers in Low-A.
  
  The Future: Plaz’s unique power stands out. He has a path to the majors as a powerful backup catcher who likely won’t hit for high averages if his approach and defense can catch up.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.
• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #28 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Pittsburgh signed the Venezuela native in January 2022 on the strength of his intriguing combination of defensive ability and power potential. He then hit .382/.500/.706 with three homers over 32 games as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, earning an all-star nod, and was one of the Pirates' most impressive hitters at their fall instructional camp.
  
  Scouting Report: Plaz flashed power potential as an amateur and has already added more strength, especially to his lower half, with room to add more to his frame. He times up pitchers with a toe tap and is capable of driving the ball to center field when he connects, already showing feel for the barrel, pitch recognition and strike-zone awareness. Amateur evaluators noted Plaz may battle some swing-and-miss as he grows into his power, but he kept his strikeouts in check in his first taste of the DSL (18.6% strikeout rate). He also has a chance to stick behind the plate due to solid receiving skills for his age and an above-average arm, although his footwork remains a work in progress.
  
  The Future: Plaz will be just 17 years old on Opening Day and has a myriad of potential outcomes, but he caught the Pirates' attention. There are indicators that suggest a potential for both impact defense and power at a premium position.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Pittsburgh signed the Venezuela native in January 2022 on the strength of his intriguing combination of defensive ability and power potential. He then hit .382/.500/.706 with three homers over 32 games as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, earning an all-star nod, and was one of the Pirates' most impressive hitters at their fall instructional camp.
  
  Scouting Report: Plaz flashed power potential as an amateur and has already added more strength, especially to his lower half, with room to add more to his frame. He times up pitchers with a toe tap and is capable of driving the ball to center field when he connects, already showing feel for the barrel, pitch recognition and strike-zone awareness. Amateur evaluators noted Plaz may battle some swing-and-miss as he grows into his power, but he kept his strikeouts in check in his first taste of the DSL (18.6% strikeout rate). He also has a chance to stick behind the plate due to solid receiving skills for his age and an above-average arm, although his footwork remains a work in progress.
  
  The Future: Plaz will be just 17 years old on Opening Day and has a myriad of potential outcomes, but he caught the Pirates' attention. There are indicators that suggest a potential for both impact defense and power at a premium position.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Pittsburgh signed the Venezuela native in January 2022 on the strength of his intriguing combination of defensive ability and power potential. He then hit .382/.500/.706 with three homers over 32 games as a 16-year-old in the Dominican Summer League, earning an all-star nod, and was one of the Pirates' most impressive hitters at their fall instructional camp.
  
  Scouting Report: Plaz flashed power potential as an amateur and has already added more strength, especially to his lower half, with room to add more to his frame. He times up pitchers with a toe tap and is capable of driving the ball to center field when he connects, already showing feel for the barrel, pitch recognition and strike-zone awareness. Amateur evaluators noted Plaz may battle some swing-and-miss as he grows into his power, but he kept his strikeouts in check in his first taste of the DSL (18.6% strikeout rate). He also has a chance to stick behind the plate due to solid receiving skills for his age and an above-average arm, although his footwork remains a work in progress.
  
  The Future: Plaz will be just 17 years old on Opening Day and has a myriad of potential outcomes, but he caught the Pirates' attention. There are indicators that suggest a potential for both impact defense and power at a premium position.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.