Orioles 2022 #18 Prospect Frederick Bencosme - 2B/INF

[Tony-OH]

Frederick Bencosme
Pos: INF
Bats: L
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 19
2022 Level: FCL/A/A+

Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 40/55
Game Power: 30/45
Raw Power: 30/45
Run: 55/55
Defense: 35/50

Most Likely Future Role: Utility
Ceiling: 2^nd Division 2B

What we know: With all the money the Orioles have thrown at Latin players over the last few years, this low money, 6-foot, 160 pound, string bean is the second best International prospect in the system behind Samuel Basallo. The left-handed hitter just slashing line drives all over the field and rarely misses with a 6% swinging strike rate and 12.4% K rate to go along with a 10.8 BB rate in 250 A-Ball PAs at Delmarva. Slashed .336/.410/.432/.841 with a .398 wOBA and 138 wRC+ at Delmarva despite only playing two games above the Dominican Summer League before this season. Put up a 22.9% Line drive rate going left-center to right center well. His only drawback offensively is not a lot of power, but he started to lift the ball more from July on and even turned on a few homers to RF. He’s pretty skinny overall, and there is a lot of room for him to add muscle to his frame, so there is hope he can add to his power as he matures.

Defensively he actually has good tools showing good range and plenty of army, but he’s erratic in the field, very erratic making 22 errors in 49 starts at SS for an ugly .864 fld pct. He wasn’t much better at 3B and right now, 2B is the only position where he won’t hurt a team defensively. He drops down often on his throws making his throws sail towards the runner going to first and really needs a strong off season working with an infield coach.

He’s not particularly fast on the base paths but he moves well one on the go. If he can’t get his throws under control, they may have to give him some looks in the outfield, but they may want to give him those looks anyways to improve his versatility.

What we don’t know: Bencosme is one of those young inexperienced players who’s bat to ball skills is his calling card right now, but will he fill out and start impacting the baseball more? Defensively, his errors come from poor decisions, lazy throws, and dropping his arm down, but he actually has decent arm strength and may just need coaching to improve. We actually like his tools on the infield better than Hernaiz, but he’s nowhere near as consistent.

What we think: Bencosme really came on the scene this year and there is some upside of him becoming an everyday second baseman at the big league level, especially if he can add some strength to his frame. He has some of the best in organization swinging strike percentages and solid line drive rates, and those are two good skills to develop a hitting base from. He’ll start next season at Aberdeen at just 20-years old, so while right now his most likely is a utility guy, don’t count him out as an everyday guy.

 

[LookinUp]

I think this is low key a great profile with real upside. A high-contact approach can be built on. Likewise, defensive issues can often be cleaned up to become at least passable. 

If he fills out, this could be a really nice prospect.

[Frobby]

This is probably the most interesting write-up I’ve read so far this year.   I think defense will be the big question mark for Bescome.  Frankly, with an .864 fielding percentage, even a 35 current grade seems generous. But the future grade of 50 and info in the write-up leaves me with some optimism.   I hope Benscome can add a little strength and work on his throwing issues this offseason.   Hit tools like his are hard to find.