Laz Rivera

Position: SS
Level: AFL
Affiliate: Glendale Desert Dogs
League: Arizona Fall League
Born: 09/20/1994 (Age: 29)
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: 28th Rd., 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft (CHW)

Prospect Spotlight

NOTES FROM THE FIELD, ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE:

  • Medium frame, wiry features, lean and trim throughout. 
  • Aggressive hitter, swings early and often, not looking to walk. Anxious with 2-strikes, will expand. Grinds out at-bats even if he swings himself into bad counts sometimes. Bat is too light for regular ABs, but can hold his own offensively in spot-starting role.
  • Takes a big hack but has surprising pop for his frame; puts a charge into balls to pullside; sneaky gap pop with occasional loft. 
  • Tick above-average runner, has good aggression but runs himself into outs at times. Will get the most out of his speed if he tones down.
  • Playable defender at SS with quick defensive stride. Soft hands and quick transfer, playmaker that gets it done at both MIF spots.
  • Fringy arm is exposed at SS from the deep hole. Likely too short for ideal SS fit, but throws well enough to finish routine plays.

SUMMARY: Grinder who plays with an edge, like his on-field demeanor and overall aggressiveness. Don’t see the tools for an everyday big league MIF, but think the sum-of-parts add up to a hard-nosed utility infielder. Solid role player at ML level.