Scouting Report

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

Growing up in New Jersey, Cepeda made a name for himself on the showcase circuit as early as age 14 and attracted interest from major college programs. Rather than go through the Draft, he moved back to his native Dominican Republic and signed with the Cubs for $1 million in 2023. He has made a seamless transition to pro ball, playing well in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League in his debut and in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League this year.

Cepeda has a quick right-handed swing and displays more patience at the plate than most teenagers. He needs time to grow into his 6-foot-1 frame but once he does, he could have 20-homer power. He'll need to learn to pull and lift pitches more often to fully tap into his pop.

Cepeda has solid to plus speed and is an aggressive and instinctive baserunner. He has the reliable hands and strong arm to be an asset at a variety of positions, though his defensive consistency is a work in progress. He made 21 starts at shortstop, 20 at third base and 13 at second base in the ACL.

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

The team that signs Cepeda will have a lot to think about when he shows up for the first day at the academy. He can play shortstop, second base and third. He’s also athletic enough to play center field. Wherever he ends up playing, he’s also very likely going to make an impact when he’s in the batter’s box.

Cepeda is very polished on both sides of the ball for a player his age and can flat out hit. He’s shown an above-average hit tool and has the potential to hit in the middle of a lineup. In addition to his game play in the Dominican Republic, he has experience with travel baseball and the showcase circuit in the United States.

His offensive prowess might be ahead of his defense at the moment, but his versatility and athleticism will keep him on the field. He has been praised for his makeup and baseball IQ.

Cepeda trains with Marcelo Bermudez. The Cubs have shown interest in him. Bermudez is a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

Awards

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	05/03/2024	SS Angel Cepeda assigned to ACL Cubs from DSL Cubs Red.
	07/29/2023	DSL NL All-Stars activated SS Angel Cepeda.
	06/04/2023	SS Angel Cepeda assigned to DSL Cubs Red.
	01/15/2023	Chicago Cubs signed free agent SS Angel Cepeda to a minor league contract.