Scouting Report

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

Baez received the largest bonus in Houston's 2022 international crop, turning pro for $1.3 million out of the Dominican Republic. At 18, he was older than most players who get seven-figure bonuses in that market, and he broke into pro ball by ranking second in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with 19 doubles and 30 extra-base hits. He smacked seven homers in 17 games in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League last summer to earn a promotion to Single-A Fayetteville, where he batted .239/.324/.413.

Baez has more bat speed and strength than most teenagers -- he's at least 20 pounds heavier than his listed 205 pounds -- and it gives him more usable power than anyone in the system. He already has an affinity for launching balls in the air to his pull side and could provide 30 or more homers per season. He has a sound right-handed stroke but may need to moderate his approach after striking out at a 27 percent clip in Single-A.

The Astros thought Baez had a chance to play center field when he signed, but he has lost speed as his weight has fluctuated, reaching a high of 240 pounds a year ago. He's now a below-average runner and an adequate corner outfielder who could make better use of his plus arm strength if he got to balls more quickly. If he slows down any further, he risks winding up at first base.

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

Baez signed for $1.3 million out of the Dominican Republic, landing the largest bonus in Houston's 2022 international class. Older than most players who get seven-figure bonuses in that market, he turned 18 four days before inking his deal in January. In his pro debut, he ranked second in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with 19 doubles and 30 extra-base hits while slashing .305/.351/.552. 

Baez's bat speed and the strength in his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame give him natural power that could translate into 25 or more homers per season. He already shows the aptitude to drive balls in the air to his pull side. He has a sound right-handed stroke, but he may need to temper his approach when he faces more advanced pitchers. 

Presently an average runner, Baez could slow down as he physically matures. He spent most of his debut in right field, where he's an average defender with plus arm strength. He also saw some time in center but projects strictly as a corner guy who could wind up at first base if he loses too much quickness. 

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

Baez received the largest bonus in Houston's 2021-22 international crop, turning pro for $1.3 million out of the Dominican Republic. Relatively old for his class, he turned 18 four days before inking his contract in January.

Baez landed a seven-figure bonus in large part because of his right-handed power potential. A right-handed hitter, he looks to launch balls to his pull side and also generates opposite-field pop with bat speed and projectable strength. Though he's a power-over-hit guy, the Astros like his swing and think he'll make plenty of hard contact. 

An average runner, Baez could slow down as he fills out his 6-foot-3 frame. For now, he projects as an average right fielder with a plus arm. If he loses too much quickness, he could wind up at first base.

Awards

FCL Player of the Week

Week	Team
06/11/2023

DSL Post-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2022

DSL Player of the Month

Month	Team
08/2022

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/13/2024	OF Luis Baez assigned to Corpus Christi Hooks from Asheville Tourists.
	04/02/2024	OF Luis Baez assigned to Asheville Tourists from Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
	03/07/2024	Houston Astros Prospects activated OF Luis Baez.
	02/25/2024	OF Luis Baez assigned to Houston Astros.
	07/15/2023	OF Luis Baez assigned to Fayetteville Woodpeckers from FCL Astros.
	06/04/2023	OF Luis Baez assigned to FCL Astros.
	06/03/2022	OF Luis Baez assigned to DSL HOU Orange from DSL HOU Blue.
	04/03/2022	OF Luis Baez assigned to DSL Astros Blue.
	01/15/2022	Houston Astros signed free agent OF Luis Baez to a minor league contract.