Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 65 | Overall: 50

Big leaguers Miguel Rojas, Oswaldo Cabrera and Ehire Adrianza all hail from Miranda, Venezuela, where Aponte -- one of the most skilled defenders in his class -- was born. While not an imposing figure, Aponte has been able to add good weight to his frame in the past few years, boosting his overall stock beyond his impressive defensive acumen. He trains with Kevin Moscatel at Caribes Top Players in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

A right-handed hitter who employs a simple toe tap as a timing mechanism, Aponte has solid bat-to-ball skills and traditionally uses the middle of the field to spray line drives. He won’t be confused for a masher who sells out to tap into his power, but draws positive reviews for his ability to do the little things at the plate -- bunt, move runners and limit the swing-and-miss. Clocked as fast as 6.6 seconds on 60-yard dash times, Aponte offers solid wheels to go along with his propensity to put the ball in play, which figures to aid him early on in his development.

Scouts tend to use superlatives when discussing players, but saying Aponte has “magic in his hands” is taking that to the next level. Known for making the difficult plays look easy and providing commensurate flash to go along with it, Aponte will be a surefire shortstop as he moves into the pro game. If there is a point of development, it will be corralling that tendency to make every play, even as he showcases a plus arm to go along with his impressive athleticism.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 65 | Overall: 40

Aponte hails from Miranda, Venezuela, home to big leaguers like Miguel Rojas and Oswaldo Cabrera. He hopes to be the next to represent his hometown after the Reds made him their primary target at the start of the 2025 international signing period, bringing him into the organization for $1.9 million. Aponte leads with his glove, but added strength helped improve his stock, landing him at No. 18 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects list at the start of the signing period.

At the plate, Aponte has good contact skills from the right side of the plate, using a simple toe tap to time up pitchers. He’s content to use the middle of the field to spray line drives. He’s likely never going to be a huge power guy, but is good with bat control and the ability to bunt and move runners over while not striking out much. 

As intriguing as his bat might end up being, Aponte’s glove is what got him paid. He’s possibly the best defender in his signing class, with evaluators saying things like he has “magic in his hands.” He makes tough plays look easy with plenty of flash along the way. He’s a no-doubt shortstop with plenty of arm, range and actions, even if he has to learn some consistency on the mundane plays to be as well-rounded of a defender as he can be. 

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	06/01/2025	SS Liberts Aponte assigned to DSL Rojos from DSL Reds.
	01/15/2025	Cincinnati Reds signed free agent SS Liberts Aponte to a minor league contract.
	01/15/2025	SS Liberts Aponte assigned to DSL Reds.