AB | 41 |
---|---|
AVG | .195 |
OBP | .353 |
SLG | .220 |
HR | 0 |
- Full name Yahil Melendez
- Born 09/05/2005 in Gurabo, Puerto Rico
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School B You Academy
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Drafted in the 7th round (206th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2023 (signed for $400,000).
View Draft Report
Like many recent Puerto Rican shortstop prospects, Melendez is a deep physical projection hitter with an extremely lean 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame and offensive questions. His offensive game is extremely raw currently, and there are both contact and impact questions, though he has fringe-average raw power that should increase in the future as he fills out his physique. He’s a below-average runner but he has solid arm strength that should give him a chance to stick at shortstop, where he could be a serviceable defender, or potentially move to second base where he could be average. Melendez is committed to Rice.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Melendez was just 17 years old when the Cubs selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 draft and bought him out of his Rice commitment with a $400,000 bonus. He debuted in the Arizona Complex League that year, then returned in 2024 and hit .268/.394/.425 with 19 extra-base hits and 11 stolen bases.
Scouting Report: Melendez is an excellent fastball hitter with the type of bat speed that can match high-end velocity with ease. The majority of his whiffs in 2024 stemmed from his struggles to adjust to breaking balls and offspeed pitches. Melendez’s bat speed generates plus exit velocity data for a teenager and has plus power projection. His 105 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and 110.7 mph max exit velocity in 2024 were both above major league average. Melendez possesses plus contact quality with a below-average hit tool. He is an average runner at present who will likely slow down as he adds muscle onto his frame. Melendez has good defensive instincts and is a versatile defender with the ability to play both second base and third base at an average level. Melendez’s range is a little stretched at shortstop, but he shows good hands and actions to fill in at the position. Melendez’s above-average arm should allow him to stick at third base long term, which is his most likely position.
The Future: Melendez should make his full-season debut in 2025 with Low-A Myrtle Beach and could break out with a strong performance.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.