Jesmuel Valentin to Dodgers: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 5’10”/180 lbs

Bats/Throws: S/R

DOB: 5/12/1994

High School: Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico)

College Commitment: Louisiana State

The son of former big-league veteran Jose Valentin, Jesmuel plays alongside shortstop Carlos Correa, who ranks as the top infielder in the 2012 draft class. He has the natural ability and tools to play shortstop, but will likely be developed professionally as a second basemen.

He has a quick arm stroke with above-average strength and good range, and, in general, plays the game extremely hard. A switch hitter, Valentin projects to be at least an average hitter from both sides of the plate. From the right side, his natural side, his hit tool projects to be average, as he employs a more compact, line-drive stroke.

Like most switch hitters, Valentin has more power from the left side, as well as a greater power frequency.

Given his big-league bloodlines and impressive natural ability, Valentin is one of the more promising middle infield prospects this year, and therefore has a chance to make his debut by late 2015 or early 2016.

Analysis: A high-upside pick here by the Dodgers for a prospect with big-league bloodlines. If Valentin can develop, he could be a pesky hitter in Dodger Stadium for years to come.