Michael De La Cruz
| AB | 512 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .256 |
| OBP | .376 |
| SLG | .342 |
| HR | 3 |
- Full name Michael Jefree De La Cruz
- Born 07/10/1996 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Pirates signed de la Cruz for $700,000 from his native Dominican Republic in 2012, and he struggled mightily in his first season in the U.S. in 2014 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. It was a tough year all the way around for de la Cruz, who was 17 when the GCL season began. In addition to being a homesick teenager, he also sprained his ankle and dealt with a skin condition. Despite his .165 average, Cruz did show that he is willing work the count and take a walk. He also has power potential that figures to manifest itself once he reaches adulthood and his body begins to fill out. His lone extra-base hit in 2014 was a home run. De la Cruz also has above-average speed and can steal a base, though his baserunning skills are rather rudimentary at this point. His range is plenty good enough to play center field, though he's understandably raw. If he can't stick in center, his average arm would relegate him to left field. The Pirates will likely take it slow with de la Cruz and move him up one rung to Rookie-level Bristol.
