Ralphy Velazquez

School: Huntington Beach (Calif.) HS Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Arizona State
Age At Draft: 18.1
BA Grade:55/Extreme
Tools:Hit: 55. Power: 60. Run: 30. Field: 45. Arm: 60.

Velazquez has stood out from a young age with a fluid lefthanded swing that is quick, compact and powerful. He led Huntington Beach (Calif.) High to a National High School Invitational title this spring and finished his decorated prep tenure with 23 career home runs while playing some of the best competition in the country. Velazquez has a physical 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame and generates above-average power with his natural strength and solid bat speed. He has a good feel for picking out pitches to drive and sends towering drives over the right field fence with impressive ease. Velazquez doesn’t have to sell out to get to his power and consistently takes good swings against good pitching. He’s a mature, patient hitter who rarely expands the strike zone and has the hand-eye coordination, balance and pitch recognition to be at least an average hitter. Velazquez is one of the best prep hitters in the draft class, but his defense raises questions. He’s a well below-average runner whose lateral mobility, blocking and overall athleticism behind the plate are all below-average and need improvement. He sets up well and has the hand strength to stick pitches in the strike zone, providing some optimism he can stay behind the plate and avoid a move to first base. He has plus arm strength and a strong work ethic. Velazquez is committed to Arizona State but is signable. He projects to be selected in the top two rounds on the strength of his bat.