David Freitas

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Washington Nationals #27 prospect in 2012
  Freitas had an eye-opening debut after signing for $50,000 as a 15th-round pick in 2010, hitting in 22 straight games at Vermont and putting himself squarely on the organization's prospect map. He kept it going during his first full pro season, leading the South Atlantic League with 82 walks, ranking second with a .409 on-base percentage and providing 13 homers. Freitas arrived in the system with a metal-bat swing and relied mostly on his upper body to generate power, but the Nationals have worked with him on transferring his weight more effectively. His swing has gotten shorter and his power has increased. His patient approach gives him a chance to be an average hitter with average home run power to the pull side and good doubles pop to the gaps. Defensively, Freitas has decent mobility for his size and is a field general who calls a good game. He has solid hands and improving receiving skills. Freitas threw out just 25 percent of basestealers last year and needs to refine his throwing mechanics, as he has a tendency to rush and get on his front side too quickly, causing him to open up and lose leverage. He has average arm strength, so it's just a matter of syncing up his transfer and release. Like most catchers, he's a below-average runner. Freitas will advance to high Class A this year and has a chance to be an offense-oriented part-time catcher in the big leagues.