Janiel de Leon OF 2025/26

Notes from Miami Miracles event (April 24th-April 26th), initial look in large showcase setting limits confidence.

Body: Fairly thin build with narrower shoulders. Will gain some strength given present physical immaturity, but frame will limit ultimate gains. 

Athleticism: Limited explosiveness but generally fluid movements with solid body control. 

Bat: Relatively loose and rhythmic swing in BP with a quick path, but the intrigue ends there. Lacks the present bat speed or physical projection necessary to hit for any significant impact. In-game, starts open and stays that way throughout his swing, forcing all his momentum to the pull side. This contributes to frequent swings and misses in the zone, which are furthered by his below average approach and lack of pitch recognition. Not a lost cause, but poor in-game look makes it hard to see him clearing the bar necessary to provide ML value. 

Defense/Arm/Run: Quality reads in CF with clean overall actions. Routes, particularly going back on balls, could use some work but has the foundational traits necessary to be a quality defender. Ran a 6.8 and has the look of a plus runner at maturity, certainly enough to augment his defense up the middle. Just ok present arm strength, but has a clean arm action and has a chance to get to average as he gets stronger. 

Summary: Intriguing defense/run combination, but the bat holds back the entire profile. Has the secondary traits necessary to achieve major league value, but would need to take a significant step forward at the plate to reach this. That said, would be willing to sign for a low bonus value with the hope the bat benefits from positive variance, allowing him to become a defense-first major league OF. 

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Connor Pierce

Welcome to Peloteros del Mundo. This page focuses on my evaluation of prospects at all levels, from the international to amateur to pro markets. It also includes preference lists.