"A big part of why we’re this high on him despite his hit tool issues is Loperfido’s very versatile defensive profile. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions at an average level, while also showing he can handle first and second-base at a passable level. The way Loperfido can move the ball around the infield at first base is actually quite special. While he does many things at an average to solid level, there’s no single aspect of his bat or defensive ability that grades out as plus; this is a profile where the sum is greater than the raw parts. Loperfido projects as a high-end bench utility player for a World Series contender and could sneak into the lineup every day for lesser clubs."
The above makes Loperfido much more interesting and potentially valuable than your average plus power fringe contact type guy.
Pinango dominated A+ early in the season and has been league average in his first taste of AA. Has played exclusively in the corner OF since 2022 and mostly LF.
Can see what the MLB.com scouting report was saying with the "considerable effort" in his delivery. This level of investment is more reflective of a HS power pitcher with stuff yet reliever concerns, versus your more projectable HS arm.
We need more power pitchers in the system regardless, so it's good to see one added here.
I didn't even realize he wasn't, that's an egregious omission, dude has the sixth best wRC+ in baseball (166) behind Judge, Ohtani, Soto, Harper and Henderson.
I guess I can see why the corner (and small school) profile might have pushed him to round four, but Sean Keys seems like a very legit hitting prospect. Besides the obvious with Lesevage seemingly falling in the lap in round one, I think the Keys pick intrigues the most.