Cubs: Prospects who you might not have heard of–but you will

No. 30 – Nelson Velazquez, Outfielder

Nelson Velazquez was declared ineligible for his senior season at Lake Worth High (Fla.) in 2017. So he moved back to native Puerto Rico, and he got noticed. The Cubs (Edward Guzman) with one of the few with a full-time scout on the island.

Guzman fell in love with him, signing for an over-slot of $400,000 in the fifth round. He toiled for a time in full-season ball. But he turned it around in 2018, although he missed two months to an oblique injury.

Velazquez had good speed when he came up. But filling out has it’s drawbacks, and now its an average runner, at best. He played all three outfield positions, spending the most time in right field. He has the physique to play the corner outfield positions, and he’s got the arm to match in right field.

Velazquez, a right-handed hitter, creates raw power to all fields. Plus, his combination of strength and bat speed provides excellent exit velocities. He won’t take advantage until he tones down on his aggressive approach. He didn’t swing for the fences, which made him stay behind the ball better.