ON Top 50 Prospects 2013 – #42: Hector Veloz

Background

Veloz in 2012 posted a .801 OPS for the GCL Orioles.

The Orioles in 2010 signed Hector Veloz out of the Dominican Republic. Even before he signed, Veloz had already tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol, but the Orioles still handed him a $300,000 bonus, which is a franchise record for a player out of the DR.

Veloz in 2012 posted a .801 OPS for the GCL Orioles and later received a taste of the New York-Penn League where he hit .219 in 8 games.

Scouting Report

Veloz has tremendous power to all fields. I have personally seen him hit baseballs out of the deepest parts of Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL. He has a pretty good eye when it comes to balls and strikes, but doesn’t have the best pitch recognition.

He looks a lot bigger than the 6′ 2″, 192 lbs. he’s listed at, but does have some range at third base. His actions are stiff and he has above-average arm strength. He’s a better fit at first base going forward, but him playing 3B in the future isn’t completely out of the question if he improves with repetition.

Future

Veloz is unlikely to hit enough to play first base in the majors. Defense will be key moving forward as his status as a prospect depends on his ability to play third base.

He’ll open 2013 as part of the IronBirds roster.

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Career Statistics

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