The Phillies wasted no time signing International 3B prospect, Luis Encarnacion, shortly after he officially became eligible. He is among the youngest eligible International free agents, having just turned 16 years old today and officially becoming eligible to sign. Baseball America’s International Specialist, Ben Badler, ranked Luis as the fourth best prospect available this International Free Agent season. If he was born a month later, he would not have been eligible to sign until 2014.
According to Badler, Luis is an aggressive hitter who has impressed scouts in International Showcases and at team academies. He displays a plus hitting ability with plus raw power as a Right-Handed hitting 3B. His bat will need to carry him to the majors as his other tools are below average. Scouts have concerns that he will not be able to remain at third base long-term as he has poor foot work and movement in the field and displays below-average arm strength. Those attributes profile best at first base or left field.
Luis has the size and strength to be successful in either of those positions, though his value increases significantly if he can stay at the hot corner. At 16 years old, Luis is 6-foot, 2-inches, and weighs 195 pounds. He still has the ability to add strength to his already adult frame. Badler compares him to a power hitting position player in the mold of Kansas City’s Billy Butler or Houston prospect Bobby Borchering.
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com sees things a little differently though. Though he ranked Luis as only the 12th best International Free Agent this year, he views him as the best right-handed hitter available. He squares the ball up well and consistently makes hard contact. He agrees that, while he currently plays third base, it is unlikely he remains there. Despite that, he rates his arm strength and fielding ability as average with the potential to be above-average. He also mentions that scouts rave about his makeup and approach to the game.
The Phillies have shown a new approach this season aggressively pursuing and spending money in the International market. The Phillies have long been criticized for ignoring these opportunities, but the combination of interest in Miguel Gonzalez and now signing Luis Encarnacion for $1 Million shows a clear change in approach and one that I look forward to, personally.
