Yan Contreras | Rank: 28 (Preseason: NR)
Team: AZL Reds (ROK)ETA: 2023Position: SSAge: 18 DOB: 01/30/2001Bats: R Throws: RHeight: 6′ 2″ Weight: 185 lb.Drafted: 2019, 12th (354) – CIN
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40
A total of 21 players from Puerto Rico were selected in the 2019 Draft, with 18 coming to terms with the organization that took them as they begin their pro careers. Contreras, a middle infielder with some present hitting skills, didn’t go until the 12th round of the Draft, but landed the fifth-highest bonus among Puerto Rican draftees, with the Reds going above the $125,000 threshold to sign him for $249,000 and sending him to the rookie-level Arizona League for his debut.
Big and strong, Contreras has more present strength than some of his fellow Puerto Rican infielders in the class. When he keeps his swing under control, he can drive the ball. He has serious raw power, especially to the pull side, but has the tendency to lose his mechanics and get out of control trying to show off that power. A solid runner, there is some question over whether he has the range to stick at shortstop, though he should get every opportunity to show he can stick there. He has a plus arm and good enough hands for the position.
If Contreras does slow down as he matures, he still has a future on the dirt, perhaps as an offensive second baseman. Some scouts think he’ll hit enough to profile at third base, reminding some of an Asdrubal Cabrera type.
| 2019 |
|---|
| Arizona League |
| Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | K | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RED (R) | 20 | 69 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 25 | 4 | .145 | .298 | .217 | .515 |
| Minors | 20 | 69 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 25 | 4 | .145 | .298 | .217 | .515 |
Source: mlb.com
