Liberts Aponte

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #23 prospect in 2026
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Adjusted Grade: 30
  
  Track Record: Aponte was viewed as one of the best defensive shortstops on the 2025 international market and the Reds’ top target. He signed for $1.9 million. In his pro debut, he also showed he’s not lost at the plate, demonstrating better than expected bat control thanks to his excellent hand-eye coordination. His seven home runs outpaced the rest of his DSL Rojos team combined.
  
  Scouting Report: Aponte has buttery smooth hands and fluid, athletic actions. He’s what scouts look for defensively, as the game seems to slow down for him when he’s making plays at shortstop. He made plenty of errors, but that’s to be expected for a rangy shortstop in the DSL. He’s a future plus defender with an average arm. Offensively, there’s much more work to be done. While Aponte showed solid plate awareness and contact skills in the DSL, his swing has plenty of length, starting with a noisy setup where he cocks the bat over his shoulder. His power in the DSL was surprising as he doesn’t hit the ball hard yet, but he did maximize the modest power he has.
  
  The Future: Aponte had an excellent debut, and his offensive improvements are encouraging, but he has much work left to do at the plate.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 35 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50
• 
  Ranked Cincinnati Reds #29 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme.
  
  Track Record: Aponte is viewed as one of the best defenders in the 2025 international class, which made him the Reds’ top target.
  
  Scouting Report: Aponte is a smooth, twitchy shortstop with the feet, hands and fast transfers of a plus defender at shortstop. His arm is average for now, but may eventually improve as he fills out. A skinny 6-footer, Aponte needs to add a good bit more muscle to be a threat at the plate. His swing is solid and he has good hand-eye coordination, but his bat speed and well below-average power will need to improve.
  
  The Future: Aponte’s defense should earn him plenty of time for his bat to try to catch up his glove. His approach at the plate should help him survive Dominican Summer League pitchers, but he’s likely to be challenged as he moves to the U.S.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 50.