Rio Ruiz to Houston Astros: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: 3B

Height/Weight: 6’2”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

DOB: 5/22/1994

High School: Bishop Amat (Calif.)

College Commitment: Southern California

Also a standout football player in the SoCal area, Ruiz’s status as a prospect has been impacted by his intense dedication to both sports. However, he’s made it clear that his future is in baseball by accepting a scholarship to USC. Furthermore, his senior season was cut short this spring after surgery was required to remove a blood clot in his upper right shoulder/neck.

A left-handed hitter, Ruiz has a smooth swing with easy power that will surely improve as he adds strength. He has impressive bat speed with some loft to his swing and is comfortable driving the ball to all fields. He’s an advanced hitter for his age and should have a chance to post a decent average as a professional.

Although he’s not particularly fast, per se, he has excellent reflexes and instincts—an element of his game that also made him such an impressive football player.

He has above-average range at third base and demonstrates fluid actions and soft hands. However, it’s his arm that really stands out at the hot corner, as he zips throws across the diamond in the low-90s with accuracy. (I’ve even heard multiple people suggest that it’s a double-plus tool.)

Given his left-handed bat, defensive prowess and spectacular arm, Ruiz has drawn well-deserved comparisons to Eric Chavez and should be able to reach his high ceiling. Ruiz should have the potential to reach to the big leagues by 2016.