Diego Benitez Stats & Scouting Report

AB	656
AVG	.201
OBP	.317
SLG	.296
HR	10

Full name Diego Jose Benitez
Born 11/19/2004 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 45/Extreme

Track Record: Benitez was the headliner of Atlanta’s 2022 international signing class and stood out for his advanced offensive skills and well-rounded toolset at the time. He hit .196/.363/.283 in the Dominican Summer League in 2022, then traded some walks for power in the Florida Complex League in 2023, where he slashed .261/.332/.392 with two home runs, three triples and 11 doubles.

Scouting Report: While Benitez’s overall line is just OK, the Braves were excited with the development he showed as the season wore on. He cut his strikeout rate slightly from 25% to 21% in the second half of the season compared to the first, and his .822 second-half OPS was much better than his .643 first-half OPS. He makes solid contact within the zone, but is overly aggressive with his swing decisions and gets himself into trouble at times, and also needs to learn to elevate to his pull side more frequently to tap into the solid raw power he has. Defensively, Benitez shows flashes and will make an occasional flashy, rangy play or show off above-average arm strength, but he needs to be more consistent on his routine chances.

The Future: The Braves have prioritized Benitez’s reps at shortstop so far in his career, but if he has to move off the position, his profile could take a significant hit barring a step forward offensively.

Scouting Grades Hit: 40 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55

Scouting Reports

BA Grade: 50/Extreme

Track Record: Benitez was one of the top offensive threats out of Venezuela in the 2021-22 class, with the Braves making him the centerpiece player of their group when the signing period opened on Jan. 15, 2022.

Scouting Report:With a wide back on a strong frame, Benitez has excellent bat speed on a smooth swing thats stays on plane through the hitting zone for a long time. He’s a patient hitter who will take his walks, typically swinging at good pitches with the plate coverage to square up pitches throughout the zone. Benitez has gap power now, with the bat speed and strength projection to grow into average or better power, with some of it already starting to show up now more as he has learned to get his legs more engaged in his swing. He’s an above-average runner, though with his body type he might slow down as he packs on more weight. He’s a sound enough defender to handle shortstop now with the arm for the left side of the infield, but with his range and size he might slide over to third base.

The Future: Benitez is the most advanced offensive player the Braves have signed out of Latin America in several years. He should make his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League.
The Braves signed shortstop Diego Benitez, one of the top offensive threats out of Venezuela in the 2021-22 class and the most advanced player the Braves have signed out of Latin America in years. With a wide back on a strong frame, Benitez has excellent bat speed on a smooth swing that stays on plane through the hitting zone for a long time. He's a patient hitter who will take his walks, typically swinging at good pitches with the plate coverage to square up pitches throughout the zone. Benitez has gap power now, with the bat speed and strength projection to grow into average or better power, with some of it already starting to show up now as he has learned to get his legs more engaged in his swing. He's an above-average runner, though with his body type he might slow down as he packs on more weight. He's a sound enough defender to handle shortstop now with the arm for the left side of the infield, but with his range and size he might slide over to third base.