Raul Mondesi

Position: 2B
Level: Double-A
Affiliate: Northwest Arkansas Naturals
League:
Age: 20
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 185
B/T: Both / Right
Acquired: Signed as non-drafted free agent 7/27/11 (KCR)

Prospect Spotlight

The Potential Tools: 70 run, 70 glove, 60 arm, 50 hit

Strengths: Plus athleticism; lean, wiry, projectable frame; sub-4.1 HP-to-1B times from right side — sub 4.0 from left side; plus bat speed from both sides; loose, strong wrists; swing path is short and quick; feel for barrel and contact; above-average bat-to-ball ability due to hand-eye coordination; will use all fields; slight natural lift in swing; potential for average raw power with added strength; plus-plus reads and reactions; smooth, soft hands and actions; plus range; clean footwork; quick transfer from glove to hand to a plus arm; high baseball IQ; impact defensive profile at a premium defensive position; confident player that carries himself with swagger.

Weaknesses: Aggressive approach needs refinement; will swing and miss vs. velocity on inner half; trouble taking and barreling spin down; at times, loses focus in field that can lead to mental and physical mistakes — can also be extremely aggressive and rush actions in field and at the plate; power could play well below average; many question potential hit tool vs. major league pitching; strength/good weight needed to handle a full season’s workload; durability concerns; poor hitting results to date in minors.

Role Ceiling: 60; first-division regular shortstop/potential all-star.

Risk: Moderate; adjustments needed at the plate; strength needed for durability.

Summary: Son of 13-year MLB veteran Raul Mondesi and brother of retired minor leaguer Raul Mondesi Jr., this Mondesi has been talked about since signing with the Royals in 2011 for $2 million. Mondesi has been younger than his competition, by years, at every level he’s played as the Royals have keep him on an aggressive timeline. He brings a potential impact skillset at shortstop with a plus-plus glove and a plus arm. At the plate, Mondesi has struggled the last two seasons but he brings plus bat speed from both sides and plus-plus run. He has a feel for making contact with his short, compact hitting stroke and with some added strength his raw power could reach an average level due to the slight natural lift and bat speed he brings.

Mondesi still has an ultra-aggressive approach but that is expected for a kid who played Double-A ball as a 20-year-old. If Mondesi makes approach adjustments at the plate, and gets to his average projected hit tool, he could be an all star-caliber shortstop for many years.