Signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, Tejeda started getting asked about in trade talks after he made his U.S. debut two years later. As a 20-year-old in Class A Advanced, he ranked second in total bases (205) and fifth in homers (19) in 2019 before returning to that level last year when he resumed switch-hitting for the first time since his amateur days. His encore lasted just two months before he partially dislocated his non-throwing shoulder sliding into a base, ending his season.
Tejeda has at least plus raw power and more than most middle infielders, the result of wiry strength, a whippy swing and bat speed. He can drive the ball out of any part of the park, though he often becomes too aggressive rather than letting home runs come naturally. He'll continue switch-hitting in an effort to solve southpaws, and though he posted just a .589 OPS batting righty against them last year, that marked his best performance against lefties in full-season ball.
While he's merely an average runner, Tejeda will steal an occasional base and should be able to remain at shortstop. He has improved his range and instincts since signing, and he has become a more reliable defender with experience. His plus-plus arm is one of the best among infield prospects and allows him to make throws and plays that most can't.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 70 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50
Other teams started asking about Tejeda in trade talks as soon as he made his U.S. debut in 2016. Signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic two years earlier, he immediately demonstrated enticing power potential for a middle infielder. He ranked second in total bases (205) and fifth in homers (19) as a 20-year-old in the Class A Advanced Carolina League last year, though his 2019 season ended in last May when he injured his non-throwing shoulder while sliding into a base.
Tejeda stands just 5-foot-11, but his combination of wiry strength, whippy swing and bat speed could develop into plus power. To get all the way there, he'll have to improve as a hitter, because he still gets too aggressive and pull-happy instead of letting his home runs come naturally. A natural left-handed hitter who has scuffled against southpaws in pro ball, he resumed switch-hitting in 2019 after previously batting from both sides as an amateur.
Tejeda significantly upgraded his defensive profile last season, erasing any doubts that he could stay at shortstop. Though he's an average runner, he has improved his instincts and range. His plus-plus arm allows him to make throws and plays that many shortstops can't.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, Tejeda created trade interest with other clubs almost as soon as he made his U.S. debut two years later. He tied for the Rookie-level Arizona League lead with six triples in only 32 games and ranked fourth in the short-season Northwest League with eight homers in just 23 contests, a tantalizing power display for an 18-year-old middle infielder. Pitchers exploited his free-swinging ways when he first got to low Class A in 2017 before he settled down and batted .280/.336/.460 in the second half.
Though he's just 5-foot-11, Tejeda has wiry strength that combines with his quick hands to give him plus raw power. He's learning that he doesn't have to sell out for home runs, and when he does his whippy left-handed swing gets too long and he piles up strikeouts and harmless flyballs. If he develops more patience and uses the entire field, he could hit for a decent average while still hitting 15-20 homers on an annual basis.
Tejeda has more than enough arm for shortstop but his speed and range are average, so it's unclear if he'll stay at the position. He's too young to move yet, though he did see extensive action at second base last year and has played sporadically at third base in the past. With a more consistent approach at the plate, he'd have no trouble profiling offensively at either position.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Shortly after Tejeda made his U.S. debut last summer, the Rangers started receiving trade inquiries about him from clubs intrigued by his offensive potential. Signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, he tied for the Rookie-level Arizona League lead with six triples in just 32 games and then tied for fourth in the short-season Northwest League with eight homers in just 23 contests. He finished the year with 34 extra-base hits in 66 games, an impressive showing for an 18-year-old.
Tejeda has surprising power for someone listed at 5-foot-11, generating easy plus raw pop from the left side of the plate thanks to his quick hands and wiry strength. His whippy stroke has considerable bat speed and he has some natural hitting ability, giving him the chance to hit for a solid average as he matures. To do so, he'll have to quiet his approach, tighten his strike zone and use the opposite field more often.
It's unclear whether Tejeda will remain at shortstop. He has a plus arm but his range and speed are closer to average, and he'll need to improve his consistency. Because Texas has several young shortstop prospects, he'll also get time at second and third base, and his bat has a chance to be special and profile wherever he plays.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
Signed for $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic, Tejeda spent his first pro season in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League and returned there to start 2016 before coming to the United States and breaking out. He tied for the Rookie-level Arizona League lead with six triples in just 32 games and before tying for fourth in the short-season Northwest League with eight homers in just 23 contests. All the more impressive, he was only 18 years old.
Tejeda has easy plus raw power from the left side of the plate and more home run upside than most middle infielders. He has quick hands and surprising strength for someone listed at 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds. In order to hit for average at higher levels, he'll need to tighten his strike zone and do a better job of using the entire field.
Tejeda has average speed and solid arm strength, and the Rangers believe he can stay at shortstop if he works on his defense. He also has seen action at second and third base, and he could profile offensively at both positions.
