Lucius Fox

Position: SS
Level: AFL
Affiliate: Peoria Javelinas
League: Arizona Fall League
Born: 07/02/1997 (Age: 26)
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180
B/T: Both / Right
Acquired: Signed as International Free Agent, July 2nd, 2015 (SFG), Traded 8/1/16 (TB)

Prospect Spotlight

Fox lacked strength early in his pro career and ran into some initial struggles at the plate. He is finding himself offensively as he grows into a lithe 6-foot-1 and 180-pound frame, developing into a tablesetter who makes contact and uses his speed. The switch-hitter is better from the right-hand side of the plate, able to drive the ball with more authority. Fox has a loose and athletic cut with balance from both sides, but there’s still a ways to go offensively hitting as a lefty. He has below-average raw power and will never be much of a homerun threat, though he projects to slash the gaps and leg out extra base hits.

Fox’s best tools are away from the plate, as his excellent athletic ability plays on the bases and at shortstop. A plus runner, he’s a consistent threat to steal and ranges well on defense. I was impressed with his ability to finish plays on the run and from different arm-slots, grading his arm above-average.

The bat is still at least a full year away from ready—if not two—but with continued offensive development, the ceiling is an everyday shortstop in the Major Leagues. In the best-case scenario, Fox profiles as a glove-first regular who hits near the top or bottom of a lineup, doing the little things to get on base and letting the big bats drive him in. In the event he doesn’t make enough of a dent offensively for regular ABs, Fox’s athleticism, speed, and defense will still make him a versatile big league role player. Still just 21-years-old, Fox has time on his side to keep getting stronger and get the bat where it needs to be.