Fernando Cruz Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Fernando E Cruz
Born 03/28/1990 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 237 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Puerto Rico Advancement College
Debut 09/02/2022
Drafted in the 6th round (186th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2007 (signed for $125,000).

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Cruz has been home-schooled and is a junior by classification, but he has petitioned the commissioner's office to enter the draft this year. If he's successful, he not only would add to the trio of premium talent, but he also could be the most talented player of the bunch. "If he's not eligible, he's going to be a first- or second-round follow going into spring of next year," said another AL scout who attended a May combine in Puerto Rico where Cruz had his coming-out party in front of more than 50 scouts. Cruz is more physically mature than most other Puerto Rican prospects, and scouts project him to hit for at least average power with an above-average arm and solid-average defensive skills, profiling at third base.

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Cruz successfully petitioned the commissioner's office to enter the draft a year early after meeting high school diploma requirements as a 17-year-old home-schooled student. That meant he was late coming onto the draft scene, first drawing wide attention at a May scouting combine in Puerto Rico. Some scouts believed he could be a first- or second-rounder if he had to wait until the 2008 draft, so the Royals think he could be a steal after signing him for $125,000. Cruz has the tools to be above-average at the plate and in the field. A converted shortstop, he has a 70 arm (on the 20-80 scouting scale) and soft hands, but needs to improve his first-step quickness. He has the swing and power potential that draw comparisons to Carlos Beltran, with tremendous bat speed from both sides of the plate, projectable power and a smooth swing with some natural loft. He generates his power from a strong lower half, and as his upper-body fills out he should show it more in games. Cruz is raw and often struggles with plate discipline and pitch selection, and can look like a different player from one pitch to the next. The Royals consider his time on the practice field and with hitting instructors as valuable as at-bats at this point, and he'll stay in extended spring training before reporting to a short-season affiliate.

A seventh-round pick in 2007, Cruz entered the draft a year early after meeting high school diploma requirements as a 17-year-old home-schooled student in Puerto Rico. Exceedingly raw and coming off a tough year at the plate, he's all projection at this point. He edged out a pair of righthanders from East Los Angeles Junior College for the final spot, Burlington's Jacob Rodriguez and Princeton's Joe Cruz. A wiry strong, live-bodied athlete, Cruz could develop average to plus power as he fills out. He has above-average bat speed from both sides of the plate, but his hitting approach and pitch selection are extremely raw. The Royals will develop Cruz as a third baseman after moving him off shortstop, his position as an amateur. His well above-average arm, first-step reactions and solid range will serve him well at the position.

Cincinnati Reds activated RHP Fernando Cruz from the 15-day injured list.
Cincinnati Reds sent RHP Fernando Cruz on a rehab assignment to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds sent RHP Fernando Cruz on a rehab assignment to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds sent RHP Fernando Cruz on a rehab assignment to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds sent RHP Fernando Cruz on a rehab assignment to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds placed RHP Fernando Cruz on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 29, 2023. Right shoulder strain.
Puerto Rico activated RHP Fernando Cruz.