Aeverson Arteaga, SS
DOB: March 16, 2003
BATS: R  /  THROWS: R
ACQUIRED: International Signing, July 2, 2019
LAST LEVEL: N/A
VOLATILITY: High

NO STATS

GiantFutures Ranks: #2 Shortstop

Performance: As a 2019 J2 signee, Arteaga normally would’ve started his pro career in the Dominican Summer League in 2020, but of course, that didn’t happen.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Reading reports on Arteaga all start with one thing: his defense.  He’s a plus runner and has strong arms, and he’s able to move in all directions to get to balls hit to him and throw them to first.

He’s not a slouch offensively, though every scouting port notes it as a secondary feature.  MLB Pipeline indicates he has the strength to hit 15 or more home runs a season, and can make consistent contact.  His main offensive strength that’s known for sure is that he has plus speed and should make an impact on the basepaths.

2021 Outlook: Arteaga, like most Venezuelan prospects, was unable to join the Giants in the U.S. to work out and learn, so his progress in 2020 is a mystery.  He might go to the Dominican Summer League to start the 2021 season, but there’s a chance he may start in the US in the Arizona Rookie League.

Future Profile: It’s very hard to profile someone who hasn’t played yet, but one thing that’s consistent about Arteaga is his defense and his ability to stick at shortstop.  It sounds like his floor is as a utility player who can play all over the diamond, and with his speed, I’m sure PBO Farhan Zaidi will be interested in testing him in the outfield.  Either as a shortstop or a utility player, he’ll have a solid future if his bat comes along.