Cleveland Guardians 2023 prospect scouting report: #26 INF Welbyn Francisca
One of the newest international switch hitting middle infield prospects has a lot of upside as a hitter
Build and BackgroundÂ
Francisca signed January 15th, 2023 for $1.375 million as an International free agent from the Dominican Republic. He was a highly esteemed top 30 overall prospect at Baseball America and MLB.com. The smaller compact athletic framed Francisca continues to fill out his frame adding both strength and physical mass. This will be Francisca’s debut season in the organization to be fair all of this commentary is based off of a variety of scouting reports and limited video clips.
What Francisca does well
The talented switch-hitting shortstop is renowned for his elite bat-to-ball skills. Some evaluators have suggested he has potential for a 70-grade hit tool. He has flashed increased strength and a more physically mature frame with continued growth potential. On the bases, Francisca flashed 70-grade speed from home to first, but he should slow as he continues to fill out his frame. Various scouting reports indicate the young middle infielder is a high IQ player with sound glove work.
Where Francisca needs to improveÂ
This season will focus on developing professional routines and acclimation into pro ball. Early scouting reports indicated concerns with Francisca's long-term ability to stick at shortstop with some projections to second base. He has since parlayed added strength into improved projections to stick at shortstop (thanks to improved arm strength-some above-average to plus projections). Another area with potential for improvement is the power department, that too could come with the existing additional strength gains. That being said, he is not expected to be mistaken for a power hitter.
IntangiblesÂ
As noted above, the Dominican native has advanced bat-to-ball skills which should translate at the plate. Francisca has added strength, and displayed double plus speed which projects to play down but should be above-average to plus as he matures. Prior to signing he was ranked the 5th best prospect (at Fangraphs) in the International free-agent signing period. That said, the ceiling is high and the developmental path long.
FutureÂ
Francisca may rival Jaison Chourio as the most exciting (talent-wise) international free agent signing in recent years. He could be on par with the likes of George Valera, Aaron Bracho, and Brayan Rocchio. His addition to the system marks the arrival of a dynamic (multiple plus tool potential) youthful middle infielder with advanced skill sets in terms of present bat-to-ball skills and baseball acumen. The middle infielder should debut this summer in the Dominican Summer League. Overall, Francisca has potential to jump significantly in rankings as he emerges from the depths of the minors.
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