Aramis Ademan

Position: SS
Level: High A
Affiliate: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
League: Carolina League
Born: 09/13/1998 (Age: 25)
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 160
B/T: Left / Right
Acquired: Signed as international free agent August 23, 2015 (CHC)

Prospect Spotlight

Ademan signed with the Cubs for a $2M amateur bonus in 2015, tops in the team’s J2 class that year. He has struggled at the plate against older competition in the High A Carolina League this season, though the tools play above his 2018 stat line. Ademan carries himself with a mature presence for a player his age, showing a well-rounded skillset and projectable hitting tools.

A slight frame with wiry and athletic features, Ademan has a good infielder’s build that needs to put on strength to do more damage at the plate. The glove is his carry tool, playing a big league shortstop right now and projecting future plus at the position. He’s light on his feet and ranges well to both sides, showing soft hands and a quick transfer that plays up an above-average arm even more. Ademan hits from an open base with a small leg lift to close off. There’s minimal movement through his load which gives the ability to see the ball deep and ID pitches well for a young hitter. His hands are loose and whippy through the zone with projectable batspeed, and while Ademan’s hit tool grades as a present 30, he has the offensive tools to double-project on the bat to future average. He’s never going to be a huge power threat, but the batspeed and compact swing could grow into sneaky gap power with 8-12 homerun potential. An above-average runner—though not a true burner—he runs the bases with instincts and can swipe an occasional bag due to his timing and feel.

Ademan’s plus glove at a premium position will get him to the big leagues and gives a high floor. While it takes a fair amount of projection, the ceiling is an everyday shortstop if he develops into an average hit/on-base threat. I’m inclined to believe there’s a lot more coming with the bat, but even if he never hits enough to be a regular, Ademan’s defensive ability will keep him around for a long time.