Outfielder Hayden Alvarez got off to a scorching start in his U.S. debut in the Arizona Complex League, aided by hitting the ball harder as he begins to grow into his 6-foot-3 frame.
Signed for $685,000 out of the Dominican Republic in January 2024, the 18-year-old was seeing results from his strength gains.
“It’s increased exit velocity this year,” Angels assistant GM Joey Prebynski said. “The big thing for him is that he’s been able to create more damage through the air.”
Alvarez batted .383/.490/.469 with a home run and 14 stolen bases through 27 ACL games. His power production was similar to his Dominican Summer League output last year, though in an encouraging turn, his max exit velocity climbed significantly to 105 mph.
The righthanded hitter walked at a rate near 17%, one of the highest among ACL teenagers.
“He’s always had a foundation for plate discipline and contact,” Prebynski said, “and as he’s continued to get stronger and mature, we’re seeing the power and exit velocity tick up.”
While physical maturation can diminish a player’s speed, Alvarez has been able to maintain his plus wheels that helped him steal 32 bases in the DSL last year.
“He’s continued to get better on the bases with his decision-making and, in the outfield, too,” said Prebynski. “He’s always shown an ability to get off the ball well, and where he’s made progress defensively is he’s continued to take better routes and angles to the baseball.”
Projected as a high-contact, defense-first outfielder with a plus run tool when he signed, Alvarez is beginning to show all five tools with his newfound power output.
“We’ve been really pleased with Hayden and the progress he’s made over the last year,” Prebynski said, “and when you look at him and the profile, he shows you five tools with upside to be an everyday player in center field.”