Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 45 | Field: 60 | Overall: 40

The Astros work the Cuban market more than most teams and procured Gomez from that source for $775,000 in 2022. After a strong pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, he played in just 16 games in an injury-marred 2023 season in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League. He made the jump to full-season ball this year and has impressed on both sides of the ball as one of the youngest regulars (age 19) in the Single-A Carolina League. 

Gomez's left-handed stroke stays in the hitting zone for a long time, and he could produce solid batting averages if he tightens his plate discipline. While he has a compact 5-foot-11 frame, he has the bat speed and projectable strength to provide 15-20 homers per season. He has good feel for launching balls in the air to his pull side, though he can get overly aggressive.

Gomez has solid-to-plus speed but still is learning to steal bases. He shows better instincts in center field, where he's a plus defender with quality reads and routes. His fringy arm strength is playable in center.

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 45 | Field: 55 | Overall: 40 

The Astros are more active in the Cuban market than most clubs and mined it for three players in the 2022 international class: shortstop Alberto Hernandez ($950,000), Gomez ($775,000) and right-hander Carlos Espinosa ($480,000). Gomez made an immediate impression with his advanced offensive and defensive skills. He batted .294/.402/.500 with 10 steals in 37 games during his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League.  

Gomez prioritizes making contact at the plate with a disciplined approach and a left-handed swing that stays in the zone for a long time. Though he's a hit-over-power guy, he does have the bat speed and projectable strength in his compact 5-foot-11 frame to grow into 15-20 homer pop. He showed the aptitude to turn on pitches and drive them in the air against DSL competition. 

Gomez's plus speed will enable him to steal bases and remain in center field. He stands out with his instincts as well as his quickness in the outfield, making quality reads and taking efficient routes. He has fringy arm strength but it's playable in center. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 45 | Field: 55 | Overall: 40 

The Astros are one of the more active clubs in terms of signing Cuban players and added three more in their 2021-22 international class: shortstop Alberto Hernandez ($950,000), Gomez ($775,000) and right-hander Carlos Espinosa ($480,000). Gomez's relatively polished offensive and defensive game at age 17 make him the best prospect of that trio. He has performed well in his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League.  

The lefty-hitting Gomez likes to choke up to prioritize making contact. He has a disciplined approach and his bat stays in the hitting zone for a long time. Though his bat-to-ball skills stand out more than his power potential, the quickness in his stroke and the strength in his compact 5-foot-11 frame should allow him to grow into 15-20 home run pop once he gains some needed strength. 

Gomez's plus speed currently translates better to defense than basestealing ability. He enhances his quickness with efficient reads and routes in center field. He has a fringy to average arm that's easily playable in center.  

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/13/2024	OF Kenni Gomez assigned to Asheville Tourists from Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
	04/04/2024	OF Kenni Gomez assigned to Fayetteville Woodpeckers from FCL Astros.
	03/24/2024	OF Kenni Gomez assigned to Houston Astros.
	03/07/2024	Houston Astros Prospects activated OF Kenni Gomez.
	06/04/2023	OF Kenni Gomez assigned to FCL Astros.
	06/04/2022	OF Kenni Gomez assigned to DSL HOU Blue.
	01/15/2022	Houston Astros signed free agent OF Kenni Gomez to a minor league contract.