Alfonso Rivas - Scouting Report


Rank History
Year Team Position Team Rank OFP
2021 CHC 1B/OF 30 40

Grades Update: Nov 2020
OFP Role Hit Power Field Arm Run
40 40 55 40 60 55 45

Nov 2020 Report

Evaluator: Matt Thompson

Age: 24 yr
Height: 6-0
Weight: 188 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/L
Acquired: 2020 Draft - Round 4
RuleV: 2021

Physical Description: Undersized for a first baseman, Rivas is listed at only 5'11" and 185 pounds. Athletic build with some room to add mass. Frame that shouldn't age poorly.

Hit: This is Rivas' standout tool. Simple, easily repeatable mechanics. Lowered the hands and quieted them down since college days. It's a line drive oriented swing that will spray the ball from line to line. His approach makes the overall package play to plus as he works counts and gets a pitch he will drive. Has posted plus walk rates. Great at finding the barrel. Was strong collegiate performer in Pac-12 based on hit tool. No issues with velocity. Grade: 55

Power: Below-average home run power but should be strong source of doubles. To his credit he knows his game and doesn't sell out for homers. Not typical first baseman. Lack of homer power will keep him from becoming a big league regular at first. Grade: 40

Field: Plus defender at first. Strong footwork around the bag, will pick throws in dirt. Can cover ground. Isn't a lead footed fielder. Can move around infield. Enough of an athlete that he's been spending some time in the corner outfield. Won't ever be an asset in outfield but could move out there if you needed his offense. Grade: 60

Arm: Pitched for two seasons at University of Arizona. Has drawn praise for arm strength. Has played right field while learning to play on the grass. Has more than enough arm for right. Needs to work on footwork and staying behind the ball in the outfield. Tends to drift in my limited viewings. Fine tune that with more outfield experience. Grade: 55

Run: Just enough here to play some OF in a pinch and take the extra base on a well placed hit. Not a stolen base threat. Grade: 45

Overall: It's an unusual profile but all Rivas has done since stepping foot at the University OF Arizona is hit. Hit while with the A's and they sent him to the Cubs for Tony Kemp just prior to the 2020 season. Rivas has enough here to carve out a role on a big league bench. Finds the barrel and can be a strong option against right-handed arms. The hit tool and approach are enough to get him to the majors, but are the other skills good enough to allow him to stay, that's ultimately what we need to find out.

OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below Average Player - Bench/Platoon
Risk: Moderate