Prospect Countdown: #39 Alexis Rivera

39. Alexis Rivera Outfielder

Paden Bennett (30): I am a big fan of Rivera, a young outfielder with already an advanced approach at the plate.  Rivera also has some pop as shown by his .477 slug.  At just 18 years old their is a lot to be excited about with this kid.  Add him to the mix of young, promising Royal's outfielders.

Joe Cox (NR): Alexis Rivera was the 10^th round pick of the 2012 amateur draft.  Similar to Escalera-Maldonado, Rivera is a young toolsy outfielder who doesn’t turn 18 until 2013.  Rivera is 6-2, 220 pounds and projects to be a slugging corner outfielder.  Scouting reports say that Rivera possesses decent skill in the outfield, but his power potential is what makes him a legitimate prospect.  Rivera was very impressive in his first 176 plate appearances, hitting .341 with a wOBA of .408.  Rivera also showed an ability to take a walk and only struck out 29 times, which I find very impressive considering his age.  It will be interesting to see how Rivera fairs in a full professional season, but he could wind up being an exciting player to watch move up the organizational ladder over the next few years. 

Damion Mandalas (NR): In Baseball America's 2012 Royals draft report card, Rivera was considered the best pure hitter of the entire Royals draft class. This idea was compounded by the fact that he probably had the strongest pro debut of any of the Royals' 2012 draft's hitting prospects. Rivera is praised for his short swing and advanced approach at the plate displaying strong strike zone judgement and the ability to use the entire field. The Arizona League is a good hitting league. With that being said, Rivera's 23:29 BB:K ratio and 17.9% line drive percentage are both reasons to be excited for this guy moving forward. The Royals could aggressively assign him to Lexington for 2013, but at this point I don't see room in the Legends' outfield. More likely, Rivera will open the year for Idaho Falls or Burlington. My guess is he'll play in the Appalachian League in 2013. 

Dan Ware (NR): What's not to like about a .341/.413/.477 line from an 18 year old in his first professional season?  A mixture of 6'2" 220 lb, speed, and plus power with Rivera could very well be a huge steal in the 10th round of the 2012 draft.  Considered to be a good OF, can read flyballs well and with some 'raw' arm strength, it's as if Rivera is the total package.  We can't get carried away.  Although he was pretty solid in the Arizona league as a teenager, he still needs to prove himself on down the road, but I'm not expecting any problems.  I approve of Alexis Rivera.

Total Points: 1