Dario Laverde

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #13 prospect in 2024
  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