Born: November 28, 1991
La Romana, DR
Height: 5-11
Weight: 185
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Drafted: Not drafted
How Acquired: International
free agent (March 2009)

Photo © TJ Lawrence

SoxProspects.com Links
2011 Prospect Preview
2012 Prospect Preview
For De La Cruz, batspeed brings power (6.20.12)
Scouting Scratch: Wrapping up Spring Training (4.3.13)
2013 Top 40 Season in Review

Signed wirth Minnesota (Dec. 2015)

Scouting Report: Medium-framed outfielder with filled out lower body. Violent swing. Quick wrists generate solid-average-to-better bat speed. Slight uppercut swing from the left side of the plate. Tends to create too much topspin when squaring offerings up that reduces carry to line drives. Improving approach. Often caught out against secondary offerings, always seems to be geared up for a fastball. Needs to work on cutting down his swing when down in the count and focus on making more contact. Has the same mentality and swing when down in the count as when he’s ahead in the count. Has made strides relaxing in the batter’s box, working deeper into counts., and toning down agressiveness. Can fall into ruts of over-pulling the ball. Average power potential. Average hit tool, but needs work leveling swing to make more consistent contact. Excels against offerings down in the zone. Has trouble with fastballs in upper tier of strike zone due to swing path. Originally a center fielder. Moved to a corner position in 2012 after filling out over the offseason. Solid-average arm. Below-average speed. Can freeze on contact and take shallow routes to the ball. Average-to-solid-average defensive potential. Tends to lose focus from time to time. Needs work with base stealing judgment. Fourth outfielder potential on a second-division team with continued offensive development.