The New York Yankees signed Dominican centerfielder Leonardo Molina on August 1, 2013 for $1.4 million just one day after his 16th birthday. Molina was widely considered one of the top prospects of the July 2nd class and made his professional debut this past season with the Gulf Coast Yankees.
At 16 years old during his first professional season, Molina is the youngest player to be named a Yankees top prospect this year. Though statistically he had a down year, hitting just .193 with 37 hits in 192 at bats, there is a lot of like about him.
Molina’s athleticism cannot be matched and has some of the best raw tools. He projects to be a true centerfielder as he continues to rise with plus-speed and an accurate, strong arm. His speed will be the key aspect of his game throughout his professional career, he ran the fastest 60-yard dash out of any prospect in the Dominican Prospect League in 2013 at 6:49.
He needs to work on his hitting but has good bat swing and a decent swing. His power potential will increase as he grows and fills into his body. At 6 foot 2 inches tall and 175 pounds he is no slouch.
Expect to see Molina return to the Gulf Coast League where he will start his age 17 season.
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