Matthew Lugo | Rank: 14 (Preseason: NR)
Team: GCL Red Sox (ROK)ETA: 2023Position: SSAge: 18 DOB: 05/09/2001Bats: R Throws: RHeight: 6′ 1″ Weight: 185 lb.Drafted: 2019, 2nd (69) – BOSWATCH
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Lugo’s decision to train at the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy was an easy one because the nine-time All-Star is also his uncle. Puerto Rico’s top prospect in the 2019 Draft, he generated some first-round buzz and delighted the Red Sox when he was available at the end of the second round. They signed him for an over-slot $1.1 million as the 69th overall selection.
Though he’s still in need of refinement — no surprise considering that he turned 18 just before the Draft — Lugo possesses the potential for at least four solid tools with raw power to match. He has a penchant for making hard contact from the right side of the plate and could develop 20-homer power as he gets stronger. He shows flashes of plus speed but could lose a step once he matures physically.
Lugo is raw defensively but Boston is confident he can remain at shortstop once he adds more polish. He’s a good athlete with the quickness, hands and arm for the position. Some clubs projected him as more of a second or third baseman before the Draft.
| 2019 |
|---|
| Gulf Coast League |
| Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | K | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSX (R) | 21 | 82 | 17 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 20 | 3 | .317 | .378 | .439 | .817 |
| Minors | 21 | 82 | 17 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 6 | 20 | 3 | .317 | .378 | .439 | .817 |
Source: mlb.com
