2023 # 17 Prospect Thomas Sosa - RF/CF

[Tony-OH]

https://orioleshangout.com/2023/11/21/orioles-17-prospect-thomas-sosa-of/

The best outfield prospect in rookie ball not named Braylin Tavera, the 18-year old Thomas Sosa fulfilled some of his immense promise with a solid 2023 campaign in the Florida Complex League and comes in as the #17 prospect.

Thomas Sosa
Pos: RF/CF
Bats: L
Throws: L
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 18
2023 Level: FCL

Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 25/50
Game Power: 35/50
Raw Power: 45/65
Run: 55/55
Defense: 45/55

Most Likely Future Role: Too early
Ceiling: 1st Division starting RF

What we know: After an uninspiring professional debut in 2022 in the Dominican Summer League, Sosa showed up a different player in 2023 and put together a very solid FCL season. He upped his walk rate, cut his K rate, doubled is ISO (.101 to .202) all while putting up an impressive .877 OPS.

Listed at 6-1, 160 pounds by most publications, Sosa showed up this season at 6-4, 190 and hasn't even completely filled out yet and he's already putting up some of the best exit velocities in the entire Florida Complex League. He came in at 90th percentile for hitting the ball with 102+ exit Velocity and has top end EV of 110 MPH despite being just 18-years old.

He barrels the ball well and although there was still a bit of swing and miss in his game (21.7%), it wasn't extreme and he did increase his walk percentage to a respectable 11.9%. His 25.3% line drive rate was the second best in the entire complex league for 18-year olds or younger and his 16.7 HR/FB rate was 7th best.

Sosa mashed righthanders (.323/.425/.542/.967 in 113 PAs) but struggled in his small sample size against lefties (.179/.233/.321/.555 in 30 PAs). He did collect two triples though so its too early to consider it anything more than something to watch as he moves up the chain.

Defensively Sosa a good right fielder with a plus arm that fits there, but runs well enough and played an effective CF when given a chance. He most likely profiles to a corner outfield overall.

What we don't know: Like previous rookie league players on this list, we don't know how he will handle full season ball. Will he improve against lefties? Can hit hit upper level offspeed and velocity?

What we think: Sosa was highlighted as a prospect by several scouts and publications as a player who could really take off and he could end up much higher on the list with a good 2024 campaign in Delmarva. He made quite the improvement jump from his DSL to FCL that it's unknown how quickly things could come. He's got 1st round tools and looks like a great value for hi

[Aristotelian]

Tony must be talking to someone involved with the international program. Exciting to see it bearing fruit. Tools with 65 power is interesting.

[btdart20]

6'1" to 6'4" + 30 more pounds!  It really emphasizes the age of some of these young men.  

[Tony-OH]

2 minutes ago, btdart20 said:

6'1" to 6'4" + 30 more pounds!  It really emphasizes the age of some of these young men.  

Yeah, I was looking at the little bit of video I could find of him playing this year and I was like, "No way he's 6-1.". Made a text and got those numbers back. That's an exciting development when it comes to his power potential.

[LookinUp]

If these international guys start to become more prominent nationally, it stands to reason that the Orioles' reputation amongst international prospects who have yet to sign will improve. In theory, the better prospects could choose the O's over other teams moving forward.

I know I would if I were them.

This group of international guys will be fun to track in 2024. 

[Just Regular]

Just looking at the picture, my gut reaction was "that's a Gregory Polanco-sized dude".

Then I spot checked B-Ref with the "6-1, 160" and figured that was dated.     Tony had the goods in the write-up!

Latin America is basically the Sigbots getting the proto-Jackson Hollidays in 10th grade.     I remember reading how Holliday stinging the ball his 12th grade spring took him from perhaps any old 1st round guy to 1-1, and wonder if you roll him back to sophomore year how he would have profiled.

[RZNJ]

1 minute ago, Just Regular said:

Just looking at the picture, my gut reaction was "that's a Gregory Polanco-sized dude".

Then I spot checked B-Ref with the "6-1, 160" and figured that was dated.     Tony had the goods in the write-up!

Latin America is basically the Sigbots getting the proto-Jackson Hollidays in 10th grade.     I remember reading how Holliday stinging the ball his 12th grade spring took him from perhaps any old 1st round guy to 1-1, and wonder if you roll him back to sophomore year how he would have profiled.

Gregory Polanco is exactly the physical comp Koby gave him when he was signed.  Good one.  

[Frobby]

Where do you get information like “his 25.3% line drive rate was the second best in the entire complex league for 18-year olds or younger and his 16.7 HR/FB rate was 7th best”?   I assume you don’t have access to that data and a knowledgeable person is feeding that to you.  In any event, this write-up is superb and provides a lot of details on Sosa you’d never get from BB-ref or Fangraphs.   

[RZNJ]

Actually this is from the signing thread.  Not sure who the quote was from.

player.

Thomas Sosa (OF) - (video) ($400,000) - Really like the approach, bat to ball skills. Wasn't being showcased at the time. "Gregory Polanco" body type. Can hit run, hit for some power.

[sportsfan8703]

9 minutes ago, Just Regular said:

Just looking at the picture, my gut reaction was "that's a Gregory Polanco-sized dude".

Then I spot checked B-Ref with the "6-1, 160" and figured that was dated.     Tony had the goods in the write-up!

Latin America is basically the Sigbots getting the proto-Jackson Hollidays in 10th grade.     I remember reading how Holliday stinging the ball his 12th grade spring took him from perhaps any old 1st round guy to 1-1, and wonder if you roll him back to sophomore year how he would have profiled.

Perez is down there doing work. Seems like another dude that needs a raise. 

[Frobby]

7 minutes ago, RZNJ said:

Actually this is from the signing thread.  Not sure who the quote was from.

player.

Thomas Sosa (OF) - (video) ($400,000) - Really like the approach, bat to ball skills. Wasn't being showcased at the time. "Gregory Polanco" body type. Can hit run, hit for some power.

I’m amazed you remembered that. 

[Frobby]

3 minutes ago, sportsfan8703 said:

Perez is down there doing work. Seems like another dude that needs a raise. 

He got a promotion recently, from Senior Director, International Scouting to Vice President, International Scouting and Operations.  I assume that came with a raise.   

[RZNJ]

4 minutes ago, Frobby said:

I’m amazed you remembered that. 

Some things stick and some things don’t.   Someone asked me what I had for lunch yesterday and I couldn’t remember.  LOL

It came to me later.

[btdart20]

22 minutes ago, Just Regular said:

Latin America is basically the Sigbots getting the proto-Jackson Hollidays in 10th grade.     I remember reading how Holliday stinging the ball his 12th grade spring took him from perhaps any old 1st round guy to 1-1, and wonder if you roll him back to sophomore year how he would have profiled.

Agreed.  I almost said the same thing.  I assume there's some projectability built into the model based on type.

[Frobby]

16 minutes ago, RZNJ said:

Some things stick and some things don’t.   Someone asked me what I had for lunch yesterday and I couldn’t remember.  LOL

It came to me later.

My son has a photographic memory when it comes to anything he ever ate in a restaurant.