Let's take a look at 10 of the most important attributes that should help to indicate what a prospect’s future might hold. Players are ranked on a scale of 1-10 by their qualities for each aspect, accumulating in a final prospect grade. Grades are based on what prospects can bring to the table from the current position they are projected to play in the major leagues.
Without further ado, let’s find out if Jose Peraza makes the grade…
1) Baseball IQ – The second baseman was signed as a 16 year-old out of Venezuela in 2010. Peraza has flashed his tools as he has quickly developed into one of the top prospects in the Atlanta Braves’ organization. Rating: 10 out of 10.
2) Batting-Eye – The right-handed hitter doesn’t strikeout much, and he takes a base on balls even less. So far in his young career, Peraza has kept his K:BB rate around 2:1. Rating: 9 out of 10.
3) Hit-Tool – After keeping his batting average in the .280’s-to-.290’s range during his first three minor league seasons, Peraza is currently batting .343 in 2014. This prospect could deliver a high batting average for fantasy owners in the future as well. Rating: 9 out of 10.
4) Power – There is still time for this prospect to develop more power down the line, but that isn’t his game and really shouldn’t be expected. After averaging the seldom bomb in his minor league career, anything here is a bonus. Rating: 6 out of 10.
5) Speed – After stealing 64 bags in the SAL League in 2013, Peraza is on pace to top that total in 2014. The potential for large SB totals is what should make him an asset in the fantasy game. A middle infielder with this type of SB potential is a valuable commodity. Rating: 10 out of 10.
6) Body – The skinny prospect checks in at 6’0" and 165 pounds. Peraza fits the mold as your prototypical middle infielder and should be able to find a home there for a long time. Rating: 9 out of 10.
7) Durability – The fast rising prospect was able to log a full season with 448 AB’s during his break-out 2013 campaign. There is nothing to worry about here at this point in time. Rating: 10 out of 10.
8) Ceiling – If Jose Peraza fulfills his potential, the Braves could end up having the next Dee Gordon on their hands. And the way the Braves have hit this season, a solid lead-off bat like that would be a welcomed sight. Rating: 10 out of 10.
9) Floor – If the batting average drops, the SB attempts will decline in turn. Without the proper adjustments, Peraza could turn into an Alcides Escobar-type of player from previous seasons. Rating: 7 out of 10.
10) Future – With all the talk about Tommy La Stella replacing Dan Uggla this year, it is rarely discussed that Peraza is viewed as the real future of the 2B position in Atlanta. That future shouldn’t be too far away after having continued success in his first 100 AB’s in Double-A. Rating: 9 out of 10.
Overall Grade: 89% - B+
Future Outlook: The 20 year-old is already doing well in Double-A after receiving a promotion last month. The Braves will now give Tommy La Stella an extended look while Peraza bides his time in the minors. At this rate, Peraza could force the organization to make a decision by the middle of the 2015 season. The second baseman could end up providing a high batting average while posting 40-to-50 SB’s per year. After his torrid start to the 2014 season, Jose Peraza is now the top fantasy prospect in the Atlanta Braves minor league system.