Texas Rangers Prospect Profile: Michael De Leon

SURPRISE, Ariz. — As the youngest player in Arizona Fall League history, 17-year old shortstop Michael De Leon is doing exactly what he should in the AFL, learning.

The Texas Rangers signed the Dominican Republic native in July 2013. Michael De Leon was the No. 26 international prospect, and received a $550,000 signing bonus from the Rangers.

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De Leon spent most of the 2014 season with the Hickory Crawdads (A), a few appearances with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A+, 7 Games), and a lone game with the Frisco RoughRiders (AA). He had an average of .248, 48 runs, 90 hits that included 14 doubles, two triples, and two home runs.

According to 2013 scouting reports the switch-hitter Michael De Leon is a solid defender who should stay at shortstop…

…he’s a solid middle-infield defender with soft hands, good footwork and baseball instincts. He has a strong arm and projects to stay at shortstop because of his overall defensive package. On offense, DeLeon has been praised for his quick hands and his smooth swings from both sides of the plate. He sprays the ball to all fields, and his approach should allow him to hit for average. He has average speed but is a good baserunner, and scouts like his makeup and competitive streak.” (Cash Kruth and Master Tesfatsion, MLB.com)

Michael De Leon went 2-for-4 with a double and is batting .265. Although he’s a young player, De Leon is playing hard, learning patience, and has committed only three errors while playing in the Arizona Fall League.

If Michael De Leon continues to grow into the solid player as projected, Texas Rangers fans can expect to see De Leon around 2017. That is, if he isn’t traded first.