:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62820773/Dbk6UQMWkAIMo1f.0.jpg)
Name: Alvin Guzman
DOB: 10/21/2001 (Age 17)
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 165
Acquired: 2018 International Free Agent Signing
Position: Center Fielder
B/T: R/R
Most Notable Tool: Speed
Season Stats: None
2018 Season Summary: Guzman was rated the #18 international free agent prospect on MLB Pipeline. The Diamondbacks were the front-runners to sign him and ultimately did so on July 2nd for $1.85M. As far as I know, he did not play in a single game in the system at any level since signing.
Tools: Hit 30/55, Power 30/55, Speed 60, Defense 40/60
Guzman will start his development in center, although his plus arm does make for a solid defensive profile for right field if such a change is necessary. That should generate value on the basepaths and on defense, giving him a lower bar with the bat in order to develop into a regular.
Upside: Guzman projects to be an All-Star level outfielder should everything pan out in his development. With good speed and defensive instincts, he will profile either as an above average CF or plus defender in RF thanks to a plus arm. Given that the team already has better CF prospects ahead of him on the system I would not be surprised if he ends up in RF long term. The biggest hurdle will be his bat and how that develops as he slowly crawls up the system.
Risk: The biggest concern is everything right now is a total projection. The tools are very much intriguing from a projection standpoint, which is why he scores high on the list despite that, but as far as I know has not played in a minor league game yet. With more games and years of development, we should get a better idea of what type of player he could end up turning out to be.
Likely 2019 Assignment: Guzman isn’t as developed physically as top 2017 signee Kristian Robinson, so he might not end up in the states in his first full season in the organization. I would not be surprised if he opens up the season on the top DSL team. Best case scenario he could finish the season with the AZL affiliate.
ETA: 2023 Season