Axiel Plaz

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  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.