Juan De La Cruz

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #29 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/Extreme
  
  Track Record: De La Cruz signed at 16 years old in 2022 for $150,000 as an international free agent. He progressed quickly and made his affiliated debut in 2023. After appearing twice in the Florida Complex League, De La Cruz was promoted to Low-A Jupiter, where he showed flashes of an exciting arsenal. In 12 starts that spanned 43.1 innings, De La Cruz posted a 4.57 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 32 walks.
  
  Scouting Report: De La Cruz has a projectable, high-waisted frame and is a high-upside ball of clay for player development to mold. He has a low-effort delivery with a short arm action and plenty of arm speed. De La Cruz’s fastball sits in the 92-94 range with carry through the zone. At just 18 years old, it is easy to envision De La Cruz eventually pitching in the mid-to-upper 90s with the offering. His breaking ball blends shape at times, but it is a plus offering with plenty of horizontal break and in 2023 generated a miss rate north of 40%. De La Cruz also features a high-80s changeup, but he threw it sparingly in 2023 and will need to continue to refine it to help complete his repertoire. In addition to the development of a third pitch, De La Cruz’s command will also need to improve.
  
  The Future: De La Cruz will begin the 2024 season in Low-A Jupiter, but should earn a promotion to High-A Beloit before long. He has an electric two-pitch mix and no. 3 starter upside, but he will need to prove he can stick in the rotation. There is plenty of reliever risk with De La Cruz and his future could be in the bullpen.
  
  Scouting Grades Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40