Scouting Report

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

Alex Sánchez was a left-handed-hitting outfielder who spent parts of five seasons in the big leagues for four clubs from 2001-05. A Cuba native who has since opened a training academy in the Dominican Republic, his standout performer in this year’s class is Tornes, who was also born in Cuba. One of the younger players in the class, Tornes will be just 16 for most of his first pro campaign, which excites evaluators given his present projection and ceiling.

Despite his relative youth, Tornes is ahead of many of his peers due to his physicality and top-tier bat speed from both sides of the dish. With a swing geared to generate power, especially from the left side, the switch-hitting outfielder has drawn comps to Anthony Santander in the past. If it all clicks, Tornes has the upside of being a middle-of-the-order bat as he works his way up through an organization’s ranks.

Given how well the bat has progressed from a young age, it’s likely that Tornes settles in as a corner outfielder once he reaches pro ball. But equipped with above-average arm strength that would profile well in right and a naturally plus run tool, he would be far from a defensive afterthought, able to impact the game on both sides of the ball.

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

Tornes was one of the youngest players in his class as the 2025 international signing period opened. The Cuban outfielder trained at former big leaguer Alex Sanchez’s academy in the Dominican Republic. Ranked No. 15 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 International Prospects list, he was the Braves’ top target, receiving just under $2.5 million to sign. He had a solid debut in the Dominican Summer League, raising the excitement level for him to come stateside in 2026.

Tornes is a switch-hitting center fielder who made his pro debut at age 16 and won’t turn 18 until July. He already stands out with his bat speed and ability to hit the ball very hard with his physical 6-foot-2 frame. There’s plenty of power for him to tap into, and his extra-base authority showed up from the left side especially during his pro debut. He’s shown a semblance of an approach with some on-base skills, giving more confidence he can be an accomplished all-around hitter.

The teenager played center field during his debut and there is athleticism and decent speed that point to him at least getting a chance to stay there. He could eventually move to right field, where his strong arm and potential run-producing bat would profile really well. 

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

After Alex Sánchez, a Cuban native who spent parts of five seasons in the big leagues, was done with his career, he eventually opened a training academy in the Dominican Republic. His star pupil for the 2025 international signing class was Tornes, also initially from Cuba. One of the youngest players in the class, the Braves made him their top acquisition when the signing period opened in January, giving the outfielder just shy of $2.5 million to sign.

Though he’ll still be 16 when making his pro debut, Tornes stands out with his frame, physicality and impressive bat speed. He’s a switch-hitter with the ability to generate power, especially from the left side of the plate. He’s gotten some comps to Anthony Santander because of his offensive profile and could grow into being a middle-of-the-order run producer if it all clicks.

With an above-average arm and that hitting potential, Tornes could fit into the prototypical right-fielder mold, an athletic one with above-average speed. The Braves haven’t had much to show for big position player expenditures on the international market lately, but Tornes has the chance to buck that trend and be an impact player on both sides of the ball.

Awards

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2025

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/05/2026	OF Diego Tornes assigned to Atlanta Braves Prospects.
	03/01/2026	OF Diego Tornes assigned to Atlanta Braves.
	07/20/2025	OF Diego Tornes assigned to DSL NL All-Stars.
	02/28/2025	OF Diego Tornes assigned to DSL Braves.
	01/15/2025	Atlanta Braves signed free agent OF Diego Tornes to a minor league contract.