International Player Profile: Yilber Herrera

[Jamie Cameron]

The Twins are expected to sign #35 international free agent prospect Yilber Herrera next week. He's been compared to fellow Twin Jorge Polanco. Read about this potential Minnesota Twins Venezuelan addition.

 

The Twins have a type when it comes to international free agents. The majority of players signed by Minnesota profile as athletic shortstops or centerfielders with quick hands and strong hit tools who need to grow into their bodies to achieve their power potential.

Yilber Herrera is the former of these two profiles. The 16-year-old Venezuelan is ranked as the #35 international free agent overall. If you want a professional player comp, MLB Pipeline likens Herrera to a young Jorge Polanco based on his frame and overall athleticism, which could allow him to move quickly through the minor leagues.

Yilber Herrera Scouting Report
Bats: S | Throws: R | HT: 6’0 | WT: 155
MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

Offensively, Herrera profiles as an effective contact hitter with quick hands and good bat speed. His lagging offensive tool currently is power. While he has shown flashes, he is lanky at 6’0, 155 lbs, and has yet to grow into his body. There is a good chance he develops more power as he grows and fills out. The 16-year-old has shown a strong ability to use the whole field when hitting and while not a burner, is quick and a savvy baserunner.

Defensively, he diverges from the Polanco comparison significantly. While Polanco never promised to stick at SS due to a weak arm, Herrera’s athleticism and strong arm indicate he has a stronger chance to stick at shortstop.

Herrera trains at the Jaime Ramos Baseball Academy. If he signs with the Twins, he will continue to cement a strong relationship between the Twins and Venezuelan youngsters in the last decade.

MORE FROM TWINS DAILY
The Minnesota Twins Recent History in International Free Agency
International Free Agent Profile: Bryan Acuna

 

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[Seth Stohs]

The funny thing is that when the Twins signed Polanco, he was touted as a plus-plus defensive shortstop and the hope was that he could hit... First time I saw him was in 2013 in Cedar Rapids. He was playing 2B (because Niko Goodrum actually was a plus defensive shortstop) and it was rough... But he crushed the ball in that game and those games... 

Man, has he developed. It's definitely fun guessing what 15-16 year olds will become in 6-7 years! 

[tony&rodney]

Polanco as a comparison is a wonderful compliment. Jorge is underrated imho. It is amazing to think about the journey these Latin players face on their efforts to reach the major leagues.

[Dman]

I like that he has that strong arm because it is needed at short.  Glove and footwork are import to be in position to make good throws and I hope he can develop those skills.  Hard to project power at 16 even Spencer Steer at 21 was not projected to have much power and he just hit 24 HR's last year so Herrera has plenty of time to develop power.  

I like that he looks like he will have decent hit tool.  Would be nice if he had some better speed to maybe solidify his ability to stay at short but here's hoping the Twins found another Polanco.

[Ghost_Of_Sid_Hartman]

3 hours ago, Dman said:

I like that he has that strong arm because it is needed at short.  Glove and footwork are import to be in position to make good throws and I hope he can develop those skills.  Hard to project power at 16 even Spencer Steer at 21 was not projected to have much power and he just hit 24 HR's last year so Herrera has plenty of time to develop power.  

I like that he looks like he will have decent hit tool.  Would be nice if he had some better speed to maybe solidify his ability to stay at short but here's hoping the Twins found another Polanco.

Defensively we should be so lucky as to find another Greg Gagne...

[beckmt]

It is always interesting to watch these kids develop,  we shall see. 

[roger]

18 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

The funny thing is that when the Twins signed Polanco, he was touted as a plus-plus defensive shortstop and the hope was that he could hit... First time I saw him was in 2013 in Cedar Rapids. He was playing 2B (because Niko Goodrum actually was a plus defensive shortstop) and it was rough... But he crushed the ball in that game and those games... 

Man, has he developed. It's definitely fun guessing what 15-16 year olds will become in 6-7 years! 

Thanks, Seth.  I also recall that when Polanco signed all I heard was a lot of talk about his glove/defense and not expecting too much about his bat.