Signed for only $10K out of the Dominican Republic in 2017, Jimenez is already creating buzz within the Red Sox organization.  Following a strong DSL campaign last season, the young outfielder is having an outstanding stateside debut.  With Short-Season Lowell, Jimenez is slashing .364/.394/.480 with a K:BB ratio of 34:10 and 11 steals across 50 games.

Listed at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, the 19-year-old has a strong, stocky frame that would easily fit in on a football gridiron, already very physical but lacking much remaining projection.  The name of the game for the young outfielder is speed.  In batting practice, Jimenez shows gap power from the right side.  However, I have only seen him hit from the left side in games, where he utilizes a slap approach and downward bat path (evidenced by an extremely grounder-heavy contact profile) to maximize his double-plus speed. Though he may ultimately benefit from putting more balls in the air, he’s fast enough to put pressure on opposing infielders with this approach right now.  Like most young hitters, he struggles with elevated fastballs and recognizing spin.  On the base paths, his pure straight-line speed has yet to translate into stolen base results as he is still learning how to read pitchers and get good jumps.  Similar to his base-stealing, Jimenez’s defense is also a work in progress. He profiles as a future centerfielder due to his speed and plus throwing arm, but needs to improve his routes, particularly going back on balls.

Considering his lack of plate discipline and power, Jimenez’s ceiling is a bit limited on account of fringy offensive upside.  His style of play is reminiscent of past eras but still has utility in the modern game.  Using his speed as a carrying tool, Jimenez has enough bat-to-ball skills to carve out a reserve role at the major league level, FV 40.