Diamondbacks Top Prospect #16: Infielder Geraldo Perdomo

Name: Geraldo Perdomo

DOB: 10/22/1999 (Age 19)

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185

Acquired: 2016 International Free Agent Signing

Position: Shortstop

B/T: S/R

Most Notable Tool: Defense

Season Stats: 57 Games, 257 PA, .322/.438/.460, 7 2B, 5 3B, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 43 R, 24/30 SB

2018 Season Summary: Perdomo previously flew under the radar after signing for $70k in 2016 and a so-so debut in the DSL in 2017. That was until a spectacular 2018 campaign put him on the map. He tore up two levels of rookie ball before settling in at Short A Hillsboro and continued to shine. Perdomo flashed quality baserunning potential with 24 SB at a 80% success rate as well as playing solid shortstop defense to complement a high average and OBP profile. At the two levels he spent the most time, he put up a 145 wRC+ in the Arizona League and 149 in the Northwest League. The latter is more impressive considering that league is full of 20-22 year olds fresh from college ball or raw high school talents who are in their 2nd or 3rd year in short season ball.

Tools: Hit 40/60, Power 35/50, Speed 55, Defense 45/60

Perdomo is a line drive hitter with power to the gaps. That will play well at Chase Field with deep gaps to left-center to right-center, where his baserunning skills can really shine. We could see more extra base hit power (40 2B, 10 3B, 10 HR type) as he adds more muscle to his frame. While he doesn’t have exceptionally great straight-line speed or a rocket arm, he plays the shortstop position very well. It will be interesting to see if he stays at the shortstop position given the other interesting prospects at the position although I think things have a way of working out.

Upside: Perdomo projects to be an above average regular at whatever infield position he settles in at. It will most likely be 2B, but he offers insurance in case Jazz Chisholm’s swing and miss tendencies hinder his development. In very many ways, he reminds me of a current Diamondback in Ketel Marte, a switch hitting middle infielder who can play either side of second base with sneaky pop along with a solid batting eye and contact skills. Perdomo is more advanced a prospect at 18 than Marte was, with the former being more polished while the latter has flashier tools.

Risk: For most 19 year olds that haven’t played in full season ball, you worry a bit about the level being too challenging. I don’t have that issue with Perdomo, my biggest issue is if the bat can continue to develop as I already like his instincts in the field and on the bases. Perdomo’s offensive game is mostly about hitting the ball to the gaps and stealing bases after walks or singles.

Likely 2019 Assignment: Class A Kane County will be the obvious assignment here, as Perdomo will likely be the starting shortstop of that team unless he shares the infield with Blaze Alexander. I would not be surprised if ends up finishing the season in A-Advanced, as I think he has the best makeup of any player in the farm system and seems to get the most of his tools on a consistent basis. A strong 2019 puts him in the Top 10 in the system altogether and probably a long term keeper for the organization as either Nick Ahmed’s replacement at shortstop or the team’s long term answer at 2B.

ETA: 2021 Season