If You Don’t Know Who Michel Baez Is, You Will Very Soon

The San Diego Padres have incredible depth in the farm system currently.

In particular, the starting pitching in the system is extremely deep, as the team has the names of Anderson Espinoza, Cal Quantrill, Eric Lauer, Adrian Morejon,  Joey Lucchesi, Logan Allen, Jacob Nix, Mackenzie Gore leading the way to the promise land.

Those, before mentioned pitchers, are highly regarded prospects with an incredible upside, but the Padres flourishing minor league pitching staff hardly ends with just them. There are plenty of other names to be conscious about.

A.J. Preller has done well in stocking the farm system with young arms.

There are a few that deserve to be mentioned as potential top-30 prospects (one day). Someone who is quickly becoming a household name is, Michel Baez.

I wrote about him in early December of 2016 after the team signed him for $3-million dollars. He has done nothing, but make a name for himself since arriving in the States and plenty of baseball personnel are taking notice.

At 21, he is just starting his career in the AZL league. He should be in Tri-City very soon, and with his repertoire, experience and demeanor, he could progress fairly quickly through the system.

At six-foot eight, he is an imposing force on the mound and he uses his size to his advantage by being very aggressive and attacking hitters.

Here is some video from his first start a couple of days ago. He went five innings, allowing two runs on two hits, while striking out seven and walking two against the Royals AZL team. You will notice the pop of the glove and the fact his heater gets on the hitter very quickly.

.@Padres Michael Baez with an impressive 1st. Easy mid 90s FB. Gets 2nd SKO on Nick Pratto #AZL #InThisLeague pic.twitter.com/c3cX3QOAjP

— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) June 28, 2017

The Padres are certainly happy with the production from this young man. His stuff is electric.

In this video taken early this year, Baez is facing some of his fellow AZL teammates. You will notice the easy motion and how repeatable it is. Baez creates a ton of velocity in a fairly easy motion. Health should not be an issue for this young man, his motion is very loose.

The Padres

Chris Kusiolek, contributor to EVT, spends a lot of time in the AZL league. He has seen many of the young prospects in the league, and he tells me that Michel Baez might be the best right-handed pitcher in the Padres’ organization. That is saying a lot. His ceiling is amazing, and he could very well be the most productive pitcher when it is all said and done.

In describing Baez, Chris mentions his confidence first off. He has continuously improved and executed in his mechanics and pitch selection, and he also recognizes that about this young Cuban’ hurler.

His scouting report on Baez states that he has an easy and fluid delivery. His arm is super loose and some of the easiest velocity he has ever seen. 93-97 mph on the radar gun currently, but could mature into an easy 95-99 on his fastball. He describes him as a pitcher who adjusts well to his opposition. Baez is athletic and projects to mature and develop in time. This kid is special. You WILL hear more about him very soon. If you aren’t excited about this Padre’ farm system, then you better go check your pulse.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.