Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 35 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40 

Velasquez signed for $900,000 out of Venezuela, landing the highest bonus in the Giants' 2021 international class because of his advanced hitting ability. He earned a promotion to Single-A at the end of the 2022 season at age 18 and earned California League All-Star honors when he returned there last year. He topped the circuit in hits (127) and doubles (32), while ranking second in batting (.298), extra-base hits (41) and total bases (185). 

A switch-hitter, Velasquez has a quick swing and makes consistent contact from both sides of the plate. He controls the strike zone well and his on-base skills give him a high floor, but his power potential remains in question because he lacks strength and has yet to show much affinity for pulling pitches or driving them in the air. He'll need to add muscle and make some adjustments to even provide 10 homers per season. 

Velasquez has average speed and looks to make things happen on the bases, stealing 23 bases in 29 attempts a year ago. After spending most of his first two seasons at shortstop, he split time between short and second base in 2023. He has sure, quick hands but his range and arm are better suited for the keystone. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 40 

Velasquez received the highest signing bonus in the Giants' 2021 international class, turning pro for $900,000 out of Venezuela. One of the most advanced young hitters in the system, he earned a promotion to Single-A at age 18 at the end of 2022. He returned to that level this season and has challenged for the California League lead in batting and on-base percentage. 

A switch-hitter, Velasquez is equally proficient and displays a quick stroke from both sides of the plate. He has yet to produce much in the way of power because he makes a lot of ground-ball contact and lacks strength. Once he makes adjustments and adds some muscle, his hitting ability and bat speed could translate into 12-15 homers per season. 

The rest of Velasquez's tools are average. He has decent speed and is opportunistic on the bases. His arm and range are better suited for second base, and he has split his time between the two middle-infield positions in 2023 after playing primarily shortstop his first two seasons. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Run: 50

Velasquez is a glove-first, defense-oriented player, but make no mistake, he’s an athletic well-rounded player with a projectable body. His defense is just a bit more advanced than the rest of his game at the moment.

Specifically, the teen has the potential to be a plus defender with a plus arm at a premium position. He consistently shows his soft hands, great footwork and instincts in games. He’s athletic with a live body, but he also plays under control and rarely makes a physical mistake. He also has a high baseball IQ and is proficient at making the correct play. Evaluators also love his passion for the game and makeup. 

At the plate, Velasquez might be a better hitter from the left side of the batter’s box, but makes consistent, hard contact from both sides. He has a real understanding of the strike zone and has gained a reputation for his approach and ability to work the count. Evaluators also like his bat speed. His father, Jesus Velasquez, was a trainer for was a trainer for Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela’s winter league and Diego grew up with the game. He eventually played in Venezuela’s Parallel League, the winter league’s Minor League arm.

Velasquez trains with former Major League infielder Ronny Cedeno in Maracay, Venezuela. The Giants are the favorite to sign him.

Awards

NWL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2024

MiLB.com Organization All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Baseball America Low Class A All-Star

Year	Team
2023

CAL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	07/24/2024	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels from Eugene Emeralds.
	04/02/2024	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to Eugene Emeralds.
	03/11/2024	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to San Francisco Giants.
	03/07/2024	San Francisco Giants Prospects activated SS Diego Velasquez.
	11/21/2023	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes.
	03/04/2023	SS Diego Velasquez roster status changed by San Francisco Giants.
	03/04/2023	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to San Francisco Giants.
	08/30/2022	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to San Jose Giants from ACL Giants Orange.
	08/30/2022	San Jose Giants activated SS Diego Velasquez.
	06/06/2022	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to ACL Giants Orange.
	07/12/2021	SS Diego Velasquez assigned to ACL Giants Black.
	01/15/2021	San Francisco Giants signed free agent SS Diego Velasquez to a minor league contract.