Blue Jays 2019 Top Prospects: #13- Miguel Hiraldo

Coming in at #13 on the Jays Journal Top Prospects is Miguel Hiraldo, a third baseman from the Dominican Republic who was signed back in July 2017 by the Blue Jays.

Back in 2017 when the Blue Jays signed Miguel Hiraldo as a 17-year-old from the Dominican Republic, many scouts saw him as possibly the best overall hitter in that international market class. Hiraldo is known for his potent bat, which is what will hopefully get him to the big leagues one day.

Hiraldo started as a shortstop, although he has now converted more into a third baseman, which is where scouts expect him to stay. A corner outfield spot is also another possibility for the young prospect.

He started playing in the Dominican Summer League last year where he hit for a .313 average and an OPS of .834 with two home runs and 33 RBI’s in just 214 at-bats. He then came over to the GCL Blue Jays for a short period of time in which he hit just .231 with an OPS of .583 in just 34 at-bats.

Name: Miguel Hiraldo
Position: 3B       Age: 18
Height: 5’11”       Weight: 170 lb
Throws: Right   Bats: Right
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on July 2nd, 2017.

MLP Pipeline Scouting Grades

Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

His fielding isn’t what stands out for him but according to scouts he does have a strong arm and looks smooth on defense. He’s not a particularly tall player, but has a big frame that projects some power in the future and he’s also still 18, which means he can still certainly grow.

The young infielder has many years of development left and he’s certainly one of the top prospects to keep an eye over the following years. He is currently ranked as the Blue Jays 14th best prospect and MLB Pipeline expects him to reach the big leagues in 2021, which means he would be 20 years old when the season started.

No matter what, the young Dominican player has many years of development ahead of him and if he does start to show what is expected from him, especially from an offensive standpoint, the Blue Jays could have another star infield prospect on their hands along fellow infielders Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Kevin Smith, Jordan Groshans, Cavan Biggio, and Orelvis Martinez.

There’s definitely a surplus of infielders who have similar characteristics, specially Orelvis Martinez, Groshans and Vlad Jr. but considering they’re still very young some changes in their position are highly possible.