Joel
Esparza

Joel Esparza, Tombstone  (AZ), 2022 Ottawa
Positional Profile: C/SS Interesting prospect. Ability defensively in the infield and behind the plate. Highest upside is at C position.
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds. Wiry strength, room to add physicality.
Hit: RHH. Wide set up with a bend in the knees. Hands are held just above the shoulder with a flat bat.  Uses an up and down stride that keeps him square. Path is direct to the ball and flat with good bat speed. Attacks the inner half of the baseball.
Power: 90.5 max exit velocity, averaged 83.7 mph. 309’ max distance. High rate of line drive contact. Uses the middle of the field and hits to his strengths.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 80 mph. Quick arm action with some whip to it. Arm plays very well from behind the plate. Ball has 4 seam flight across the diamond and from behind the plate.
Defense: 1.89-1.96 pop times. Showed well at both C and SS. Athleticism really shows behind the plate. Has good footwork and technique on throw downs to 2B. Showed range at SS with ability to throw from different slots and on the move. Glove work is simple in the INF.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60. Runs slightly crouched over, average runner.