AB | 293 |
---|---|
AVG | .232 |
OBP | .314 |
SLG | .314 |
HR | 4 |
- Full name Dario Sorocaima Laverde
- Born 02/26/2005 in Caracas, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 160 / Bats: L / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade: 40/High
Track Record: The Angels signed Laverde out of Venezuela for $350,000 in 2022. He hit well for the next two summers between the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Complex League, reminding some of former Angels catching prospect Edgar Quero. He struggled early with the bat with Low-A Inland Empire in 2024 and was sent to the ACL to recapture his offensive prowess. He returned to Low-A and slashed .301/.397/.404 over his final 42 games.
Scouting Report: Laverde is a bat-first lefthanded-hitting catcher. He makes in-zone contact at a high rate with his line drive swing, which he pairs with sound swing decisions and zone recognition. He has decent bat speed and exit velocities for his age. His power is mostly gap-to-gap and his stocky frame doesn’t have a ton of projection left, which could lead to plenty of doubles but less over-the-fence power. Laverde is a solid athlete and average runner underway. He’s a converted outfielder who is still raw behind the plate. Laverde has a fine foundation and will need to improve his throwing mechanics and fundamentals. He has steadily improved his game-calling and receiving skills to go along with a solid-average arm. The Angels have no plans to move him off catcher, but his bat might fit in left field if he needs to change positions one day.
The Future: Laverde’s defense needs to improve to fulfill a ceiling as an everyday backstop, but his hitting ability gives him a chance at a strong-side catching platoon down the road.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 50. -
BA Grade: 45/High
Track Record: Laverde signed with the Angels out of Venezuela for $350,000 at the start of the 2022 international signing period. He performed well in his pro debut that summer in the Dominican Summer League, posting an .807 OPS while throwing out 41% of basestealers. He carried his performance into a standout showing at instructs. Laverde again impressed in his stateside debut in 2023, slashing .306/.419/.455 in the Arizona Complex League with 28 walks to 31 strikeouts, flashing shades of former Angels catching prospect Edgar Quero.
Scouting Report: Laverde is a well-rounded, athletic lefthanded-hitting catcher. He has a flat plane, line-drive swing with high in-zone contact and the ability to manipulate the barrel. A patient hitter who focuses on contact, he has shown an advanced ability to make adjustments and rarely chases out of the zone. Laverde is strong and has a mature frame. He can impact the ball to the gaps with hopes of tapping into more over-the-fence power as he grows. A converted outfielder, Laverde is new to catching. His hands and feet worked well while honing his technique in his setup with Angels catching coordinators. He has a good foundation for lateral movement and receives well. Laverde has above-average arm strength, but his throwing mechanics and release need work. He is an near-average runner with aggressive baserunning instincts and is praised for his elite makeup.
The Future: Laverde has a lot of work to become an everyday catcher, but his hitting ability gives him a chance to be on the strong side of a platoon. He will make his full-season debut as a teenager in 2024.
Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 45 | Field: 45 | Arm: 50