Demi Orimoloye

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #27 prospect in 2017
  Because of Orimoloye's impressive skill set and growth potential when drafted at age 18, the Brewers thought he was a steal in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. A native of Nigeria whose family moved to Toronto when he was 10 months old, Orimoloye made the Brewers feel even better about the pick when he posted an .838 OPS in the Rookie-level Arizona League. Things didn't go nearly as well in 2016 when Orimoloye recorded a .617 OPS at Rookie-level Helena in the hitter-friendly Pioneer League. He has tremendous raw tools, including power, arm strength and speed, but he needs experience, both at the plate and in the field. He lacks polish in all areas of the game because he just hasn't played that much baseball, but he did show a patient approach and stole 18 bases in 22 tries in the PL. As with most young hitters, Orimoloye needs to strike a balance between passivity and aggression at the plate. Once his game comes together, Orimoloye projects to be an impact player in right field. The Brewers believe he has untapped potential and hope he can handle the jump to low Class A Wisconsin in 2017.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #13 prospect in 2016
  When the Brewers signed Orimoloye for $450,000 as a fourth-round pick in 2015 out of high school, they considered the Ontario product to be a raw, talented athlete who might take some time to get his feet on the ground. Much to their delight, he hit .292 with six homers and 19 steals in his pro debut before leaving early to play for Canada's national team in the 18U World Cup tournament in Japan. The native of Nigeria showed athleticism in his strong, 6-foot-4 frame that drew body comps with a young Dave Winfield. Orimoloye is very aggressive in the strike zone, preferring to hit the ball rather than walk, with good bat speed despite not always using his hands to his advantage. Despite his size, he is an above-average runner and aggressive in stolen-base situations. He is still raw defensively but had an average arm that should allow him to stay in right field. If Orimoloye continues to develop after an impressive pro debut, he has a chance to be an average hitter with plus power capable of holding down a corner spot. Given his early showing, a jump to low Class A Wisconsin seems possible in 2016.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #41 prospect in 2015 draft
  Scouts have struggled to pronounce the Nigerian-born outfielder's full name for quite a while. Orimoloye has shown explosive tools for several years, having been exposed to high levels of competition as a member of the Canadian Junior National Team and the Ontario Blue Jays. While scouts already knew who he was entering the summer showcase circuit, Orimoloye really took off at East Coast Pro and the Area Code Games, where he showed advanced feel for the barrel and power in game situations. With a chiseled, 6-foot-4 frame, Orimoloye has long levers and room to add even more strength, allowing scouts to dream on his upside. He's a plus runner with a plus arm and plus raw power, with some questions about how much he will hit. Orimoloye's swing has taken significant steps in the right direction, and he's shown the ability to recognize pitches and drive the ball from gap to gap. Defensively, Orimoloye's routes and reads will be an early focus for him at the next level. He has the speed for center field right now, but could be moved to right field as he fills out. If his bat comes along as many scouts expect it to, Orimoloye could develop into a legitimate five-tool player. He is committed to Oregon but should end up signing this year.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #19 prospect in 2016
  Orimoloye tantalizes with his tools but his production fell off after leaving the Rookie-level Arizona League. He's still a bit stiff at the plate and needs to develop a more consistent approach, especially passing on offspeed pitches he can't hit. On the plus side, Orimoloye was a more patient hitter than in his debut year, walking 23 times after drawing just three bases on balls last year. Despite his large frame, Orimoloye is a plus runner and continues to make progress in the outfield. Orimoloye plays the game hard and has the tools, so despite the rough year with Helena he's still an interesting prospect. He needs to get better at the mental aspect of the game, especially dealing with failure. Helena manager Nestor Corredor refers to Orimoloye as "a monster speed-power combo" with the ability to change games.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Complex League #5 prospect in 2015
  One of the AZL's bigger surprises came from north of the border, with Canadian outfielder Orimoloye showcasing explosive tools and producing at a high level during his six weeks in the league. The native of Nigeria ranked No. 41 on the BA 500 prior to the draft but fell to the fourth round, with the Brewers signing him for $450,000. Orimoloye led the league in homers (six) when he left Arizona to join Canada's national team for the 18U Baseball World Cup in Japan. Orimoloye is a great athlete with intriguing upside and impressive physical tools. He has good bat speed but doesn't always take a direct path to the ball because he doesn't use his hands as well as he should. Despite his 6-foot-4 size, he's an above-average runner who stole 19 bases in 25 attempts. He's still very raw defensively with plenty of room for improvement, but an average arm should allow him to stay in right field. Orimoloye impressed the Brewers with his character and work ethic. "The first day he said, 'I want to get better,'"" Brewers manager Nestor Corredor said.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  One of the AZL's bigger surprises came from north of the border, with Canadian outfielder Orimoloye showcasing explosive tools and producing at a high level during his six weeks in the league. The native of Nigeria ranked No. 41 on the BA 500 prior to the draft but fell to the fourth round, with the Brewers signing him for $450,000. Orimoloye led the league in homers (six) when he left Arizona to join Canada's national team for the 18U Baseball World Cup in Japan. Orimoloye is a great athlete with intriguing upside and impressive physical tools. He has good bat speed but doesn't always take a direct path to the ball because he doesn't use his hands as well as he should. Despite his 6-foot-4 size, he's an above-average runner who stole 19 bases in 25 attempts. He's still very raw defensively with plenty of room for improvement, but an average arm should allow him to stay in right field. Orimoloye impressed the Brewers with his character and work ethic. "The first day he said, 'I want to get better,'"" Brewers manager Nestor Corredor said.