House That Hank Built
Fansided

Atlanta Braves Scouting Report on SS Alejandro Salazar

By Benjamin Chase

Sep 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) writes on the infield dirt before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) writes on the infield dirt before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Sep 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) writes on the infield dirt before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) writes on the infield dirt before the game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves have always put a focus on exceptional defense from their shortstops, and they have another elite defender in Alejandro Salazar. Can he hit enough to have a major league future?

Who Is He?

The Atlanta Braves signed Salazar out of Venezuela as part of the 2013 July 2nd international free agent class. A small guy, many saw the excellent defensive skills and solid contact skills and thought he could grow into more power as he aged.

Salazar was assigned to the Dominican Summer League to start his professional career in 2014. He hit very well, slashing .303/.355/.361 with a 7.1% walk rate and 15.3% strikeout rate. His glove drew rave reviews, specifically his arm, which received big-time praise.

He was moved up to the Gulf Coast League in 2015, and he continued making solid contact with excellent defense. He slashed .284/.352/.361 with a 9.1% walk rate and a 14.6% strikeout rate. His range continued to draw praise from evaluations, but he struggled some with his judgement on throws, per reports, making tough throws and trusting his arm rather than “pocketing” a ball that he couldn’t get an out on.

In 2016, the Braves bumped Salazar beyond Danville straight to Rome. His defense didn’t miss a beat, and his contact skills were still solid, as he slashed .278/.307/.309 with a 4.1% walk rate and an 18.4% strikeout rate.

Next: Salazar's scouting report

Home/Braves Minors