SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – When Juan Baez heads to the ballpark each day at the Arizona Fall League, he is surrounded by more ballyhooed prospects.
Some were first-round draft picks. Others signed for millions of dollars.
And when he gets on the field, he outplays almost all of them.
The 19-year-old infielder has wowed against top-flight competition in the Fall League, batting .354 with two home runs, 12 RBIs and an OPS of 1.070 for the Salt River Rafters.
Baez signed with the Milwaukee Brewers for just $10,000 in 2022, but continues to produce on the field.
“A signing bonus doesn’t dictate the player you are,” Baez said Wednesday through an interpreter. “You can get $1 million or $1,000. You’ve still got the opportunity to make a name for yourself.”
Baez has a sparkling on-base percentage of .466 and is also slugging over .600, both of which are in the top-11 among all batters.
Baez has nine walks and only 13 strikeouts in 58 plate appearances in the Fall League, showing a discerning eye while making good contact.
He is the fourth-youngest player in the prestigious league.
“I’m very proud of myself for playing against people that are older and have played at higher levels,” Baez said. “But at the same time, I have never paid attention to that. I just do what I know I can do. I’m definitely proud of myself for showing my skills on the field.”
He's the 4th-youngest player in the Arizona Fall League, but don't tell Juan Baez that😤#ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/PymgaN907m
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) October 25, 2024
Baez hit for average and got on base at a solid clip in ‘A’ and rookie ball this season, but hit only one home run in 86 games.
He has doubled that in 14 games at the Fall League, while also adding two triples and a pair of doubles. Baez believes the power will grow as his body matures.
“I have felt better physically, getting stronger as the year has gone by,” Baez said. “I definitely feel like I will increase my power as I get older, especially because I’m going to put the work in at the gym.”
Baez still needs to clean up some defensive deficiencies, but if he continues to hit, he could see himself rise up the Brewers’ organizational rankings and creep closer to the Major Leagues. He is currently listed as the No. 27 prospect for the Brewers.
“Oooh, enormous,” Baez said when asked how big of a dream it would be to make the majors. “Just like any other player, I had that dream long before becoming a professional baseball player. Hopefully it happens.”
Baez is thankful the Brewers have given him this shot, both in the Fall League and as a professional baseball player.
“I never thought I’d be someone who would get a big signing bonus,” Baez said. “I was just looking for someone who would take a chance on me and give me the opportunity to showcase my skills on the field. And here we are.”
Baez is asked if the Fall League success has surprised him. He is regularly facing pitchers with upper-tier stuff, some who could be in the big leagues sooner rather than later.
“It’s not a surprise to me,” Baez said. “I have always been sure of the player I am, the tools I have. Thankfully the hard work I have put in every day has paid off. Now I’m finally getting rewarded for what I have worked so hard for.”
