Luis Baez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #2 prospect in 2024
  BA Grade: 55/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Baez was eligible to sign during the 2020-21 international signing period but waited until Jan. 15, 2022, to sign with the Astros for $1.3 million. A native of the Dominican Republic, Baez was noted for his physically mature build and present in-game power. Those traits showed up in Baez’s pro debut in the Dominican Summer League, when he hit .305/.351/.552 with eye-popping exit velocity to back his production. He made his U.S. debut in 2023 in the Florida Complex League. He hit seven home runs and slugged .661 in 17 games to earn a promotion to Low-A Fayetteville after the MLB all-star break. Baez hit .239/.324/.413 with four homers in 41 games as a 19-year-old in the tough hitting environment of the Carolina League.
  
  Scouting Report: Baez is a power-over-hit prospect with swing-and-miss present in his game because he has vulnerability to spin. He’s a strong fastball hitter with present bat speed and strength. He shows some adjustability in his barrel but can get stiff at times. Baez will need to improve his swing decisions against spin on the outer half after Low-A pitchers exploited his aggression against sliders off the plate. When Baez does make contact, he has the ability to hit the ball out to any part of the park. He hits majestic drives that backspin off his barrel, with the ability to change a game with one swing. Baez has true plus-plus raw power and he’s shown the ability to get to it often. He’s a below-average runner who will show some closing speed in the outfield but little speed on the bases. He has enough range to handle an outfield corner, with a plus throwing arm that will allow him to run in the grass a little longer.
  
  The Future: Baez has the ability to grow into a fearsome power-hitting outfielder with the potential for 30-plus home run seasons.
  
  Scouting Grades Hit: 45 | Power: 65 | Run: 40 | Field: 40 | Arm: 60

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  Baez is 18 and was eligible to sign the previous year, but the Astros made him their top signing for this year’s class that opened on Jan. 15. He’s a strong, physically mature player for his age at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, which results in some of the best raw power in the class. Baez should have at least plus power, with scouts highest on him also praising his ability to translate that power in game situations, with a righthanded swing and approach geared to pull the ball in the air. Baez has an arm that earns 55 to 60 grades from scouts, with the mobility now where he can post average run times underway. That’s good enough for him to play right field now, though he’s likely to slow down considerably, with some risk he could end up at first base depending on his physical development.