Arroyo has trailed behind some other top prospects around MiLB because he doesn’t have the loud tool set that some others possess. What Arroyo does have, though, is a potent bat, plus bat speed, and an advanced approach at the plate. His hands work exceptionally well, and he has excellent bat control that allows him to manipulate the barrel throughout the strike zone. Arroyo has an ease of operation, but what really sets him apart is that extra-gear quickness in his actions.

As part of a 4-for-5 night that lifted his average to .479 early in the season, Arroyo rocketed a home run over the right field wall off of a 92 mph fastball at the knees on the outside corner. There have been some knocks on him regarding his power, however he hit 36 doubles at Double-A Richmond last season after hitting 28 doubles the year prior at High A San Jose. He’s not yet 22 years old, so there is likely some room to get stronger, and young players who have advanced feel for the barrel, and that can regularly drive the gaps tend to see more and more of those two baggers clear the walls as they mature.

He isn’t going to bump the reigning Gold Glover, Brandon Crawford, off of shortstop but there are there those that feel he would be ticketed for second or third base anyway.  Make no mistake though — Arroyo has the tools to stick at shortstop and be an above-average defender there. He has great body control with soft hands and a 55-grade arm. It’s true that the foot speed is below average, but the agility is plus and that more than makes up for the run grade. He will catch whatever he can get to and will make the ever-important routine plays.

If Arroyo keeps raking, he will make it very hard for the Giants not to call him up early in the summer — especially if their offense continues to struggle. Ultimately, it would not be surprising to see Arroyo settle in and have a Michael Young (MLB 2000-2013, multiple teams) type of impact for the Giants going forward.