Lazaro Armenteros

Known to many as Lazarito, Armenteros developed a reputation for being extremely raw after signing in July of 2016, struggling mightily with pitch recognition and timing. However, the much hyped Cuban outfielder began to show signs of life in the AZL. Despite turning 18 right before the season, he posted a 131 wRC+ (14th best in the league) and displayed the potential to provide plus power and plus speed. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, he still has a lot of room to grow. Armenteros is often compared to Yasiel Puig in terms of potential and physicality. His swing is still long, which could be a constant struggle for him (26.5 percent strikeout rate), but he has already shown a willingness to work the count (8.8 percent walk rate). Unless he develops quicker than expected, this is not a prospect who will be fast-tracked. The A’s will be patient with their $3 million investment with hopes of him eventually profiling as a middle-of-the-order left fielder.

A legend at the age of 16 known simply as "Lazarito," the Cuban outfielder played with the imagination of prospect fiends before he signed, and certainly before he did anything of substance in a competitive baseball environment. While he came with a cool one-word nickname that was reminiscent of those that adorned the great Brazilian soccer players of past decades, the hype surrounding Armenteros did not match his value in dynasty leagues, so a bit of a backlash has started. Reports from instructs were not positive, and it is clear that this is one international free agent signing who is not going to cruise through the rookie leagues. Players don't get nicknames like that without having some talent, and Armenteros certainly has exciting raw tools, but there is an emphasis on "raw." He is worth monitoring if he gets a taste of the Dominican Summer League this year, but there are at least a half dozen better players to stash from last year's international signing class.