Brayan Buelvas

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #30 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Buelvas was a breakout performer in the Arizona League in 2019 and was one of the youngest players invited to Oakland's alternate site in 2020. He has struggled to replicate that success in full-season ball. Buelvas experienced mixed results with Low-A Stockton in 2021, hitting .221 with 16 homers, then hit just .195 with High-A Lansing as a 20-year-old in 2022 while missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury. Buelvas played winter ball each of the last two winters, competing for Colombia's U-23 World Cup team in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: The A's wonder if Buelvas simply ran out of energy in 2022. He also needs to determine what type of hitter he wants to be. Buelvas has average power potential and is still growing into his frame, but he chases that power too frequently and loses his approach. The A's believe he's better off sticking to a more contact-oriented, line-to-line approach to maximize his feel for the barrel. Buelvas is a solid-average runner. He has just enough foot speed and arm strength to handle center field now. Some evaluators aren't convinced he can stick there as he matures, and a move to a corner would put even more strain on his bat.
  
  The Future: Buelvas doesn't turn 21 until June. He still has the ceiling of a second-division regular in the outfield, but he needs to make more consistent contact.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #8 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Buelvas signed for less than $100,000 out of Colombia in 2018, but he turned heads in his Arizona League debut the following year in 2019, hitting .300/.392/.506 as a 17-year-old. Buelvas was one of three teenagers invited to Oakland’s alternate training site in 2020, joining Tyler Soderstrom and Robert Puason, and spent all of 2021 at Low-A Stockton, where he was again one of the youngest players at 19 years old.
  
  Scouting Report: Buelvas’ barrel accuracy, strike-zone awareness and sneaky power bely his understated frame. He hit 16 home runs for Stockton, albeit while hitting for less average than some expected. Buelvas is still trying to find the right balance of contact and power, at times lengthening his swing and expanding his approach as he chases power Opposing evaluators mostly envision Buelvas settling into an above-average hitter with more of a gap-to-gap approach once he finds that balance. Buelvas is an instinctive defender who impresses the longer you watch him. Solid throwing accuracy allows his average arm to play up and he’s capable of playing all three outfield positions, but his average foot speed may ultimately be better suited in a corner as he continues to fill out physically.
  
  The Future: Buelvas lacks an obvious carrying tool, but those most bullish on him see a hit-over-power everyday corner outfielder.
  
• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #11 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: The A's invited three teenagers to their alternate training site: Tyler Soderstrom, their 2020 first-round pick; Robert Puason, their $5.1 million international signing in 2019; and Buelvas. Unlike his contemporaries, Buelvas arrived with considerably less pedigree after signing out of Colombia for just $100,000. But all he's done is impress since then, including posting a .300/.392/.506 line as a 17-year-old in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Buelvas does everything well despite lacking an obvious carrying tool. He's an instinctual player with an advanced approach for such a young hitter. Buelvas' 5-foot-11 frame has room for projection, although the A's don't envision much raw power. He has shown a penchant for finding the barrel and taking competitive at-bats against more experienced pitching. Buelvas' arm is average now, with a chance to reach above-average, and his speed gives him a shot to stick in center field. He didn't post gaudy statistics at either the alternate site or instructional league, but the A's love his passion for the game, work ethic and competitiveness.
  
  THE FUTURE: The A's trust Buelvas' makeup enough to keep pitting him against older competition. Starting 2021 at low Class A isn't out of the question.
• 
  Ranked Oakland Athletics #19 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Buelvas is part of a growing influx of talent from Colombia. He moved quickly to the states in 2019, playing and performing during the season's second half in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he ranked as the No. 19 prospect.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Though not overly physical, Buelvas carries some deceptively loud tools, including an average exit velocity of 89 mph. He also shows solid bat speed and barrel control, but some evaluators believe the length of swing and overall balance at the plate could be problematic. While Buelvas still has projection remaining, any power uptick could be marginal. Buelvas' speed is an asset both on the bases and in the field. Scouts are confident Buelvas has the skill set and tools to stay in center field, and A's personnel have raved about his work ethic, energy and professional approach to the game.
  
  THE FUTURE: Buelvas is likely to head back to Arizona in 2020, though his advanced approach and makeup could help him reach short-season Vermont by year's end.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Arizona Complex League #19 prospect in 2019
  Having just turned 17 years old when he arrived in the AZL in early July, Buelvas was one of the younger players in the league but certainly made a favorable impression in short order. With no plus tools to his credit, Buelvas is one of those players in which the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, as he's got that certain something that will likely have him playing above his tools. "Credit his work ethic," Athletics Green manager Eddie Menchaca said. "You cannot teach (that), and the passion he has for the game . . . (it's) something that's instilled in him." Buelvas plays with plenty of energy and has a chance to be an above-average or better hitter. His hands work well, and he showed good plate discipline in his pro debut. He's not a burner, but he has the instincts to be an average defender in center field and could be a plus defender if he moves to right field. What separates Buelvas even more is his all-around instincts for the game, especially impressive for someone so young.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Buelvas was a breakout performer in the Arizona League in 2019 and was one of the youngest players invited to Oakland's alternate site in 2020. He has struggled to replicate that success in full-season ball. Buelvas experienced mixed results with Low-A Stockton in 2021, hitting .221 with 16 homers, then hit just .195 with High-A Lansing as a 20-year-old in 2022 while missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury. Buelvas played winter ball each of the last two winters, competing for Colombia's U-23 World Cup team in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: The A's wonder if Buelvas simply ran out of energy in 2022. He also needs to determine what type of hitter he wants to be. Buelvas has average power potential and is still growing into his frame, but he chases that power too frequently and loses his approach. The A's believe he's better off sticking to a more contact-oriented, line-to-line approach to maximize his feel for the barrel. Buelvas is a solid-average runner. He has just enough foot speed and arm strength to handle center field now. Some evaluators aren't convinced he can stick there as he matures, and a move to a corner would put even more strain on his bat.
  
  The Future: Buelvas doesn't turn 21 until June. He still has the ceiling of a second-division regular in the outfield, but he needs to make more consistent contact.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: Buelvas was a breakout performer in the Arizona League in 2019 and was one of the youngest players invited to Oakland's alternate site in 2020. He has struggled to replicate that success in full-season ball. Buelvas experienced mixed results with Low-A Stockton in 2021, hitting .221 with 16 homers, then hit just .195 with High-A Lansing as a 20-year-old in 2022 while missing nearly two months with a hamstring injury. Buelvas played winter ball each of the last two winters, competing for Colombia's U-23 World Cup team in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: The A's wonder if Buelvas simply ran out of energy in 2022. He also needs to determine what type of hitter he wants to be. Buelvas has average power potential and is still growing into his frame, but he chases that power too frequently and loses his approach. The A's believe he's better off sticking to a more contact-oriented, line-to-line approach to maximize his feel for the barrel. Buelvas is a solid-average runner. He has just enough foot speed and arm strength to handle center field now. Some evaluators aren't convinced he can stick there as he matures, and a move to a corner would put even more strain on his bat.
  
  The Future: Buelvas doesn't turn 21 until June. He still has the ceiling of a second-division regular in the outfield, but he needs to make more consistent contact.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 45. Speed: 50. Fielding: 55. Arm: 55.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record:: Buelvas signed for less than $100,000 out of Colombia in 2018, but he turned heads in his Arizona League debut the following year in 2019, hitting .300/.392/.506 as a 17-year-old. Buelvas was one of three teenagers invited to Oakland&#39s alternate training site in 2020, joining Tyler Soderstrom and Robert Puason, and spent all of 2021 at Low-A Stockton, where he was again one of the youngest players at 19 years old.
  
  Scouting Report: Buelvas&#39 barrel accuracy, strike-zone awareness and sneaky power bely his understated frame. He hit 16 home runs for Stockton, albeit while hitting for less average than some expected. Buelvas is still trying to find the right balance of contact and power, at times lengthening his swing and expanding his approach as he chases power Opposing evaluators mostly envision Buelvas settling into an above-average hitter with more of a gap-to-gap approach once he finds that balance. Buelvas is an instinctive defender who impresses the longer you watch him. Solid throwing accuracy allows his average arm to play up and he&#39s capable of playing all three outfield positions, but his average foot speed may ultimately be better suited in a corner as he continues to fill out physically.
  
  The Future: Buelvas lacks an obvious carrying tool, but those most bullish on him see a hit-over-power everyday corner outfielder.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Buelvas signed for less than $100,000 out of Colombia in 2018, but he turned heads in his Arizona League debut the following year in 2019, hitting .300/.392/.506 as a 17-year-old. Buelvas was one of three teenagers invited to Oakland’s alternate training site in 2020, joining Tyler Soderstrom and Robert Puason, and spent all of 2021 at Low-A Stockton, where he was again one of the youngest players at 19 years old.
  
  Scouting Report: Buelvas’ barrel accuracy, strike-zone awareness and sneaky power bely his understated frame. He hit 16 home runs for Stockton, albeit while hitting for less average than some expected. Buelvas is still trying to find the right balance of contact and power, at times lengthening his swing and expanding his approach as he chases power Opposing evaluators mostly envision Buelvas settling into an above-average hitter with more of a gap-to-gap approach once he finds that balance. Buelvas is an instinctive defender who impresses the longer you watch him. Solid throwing accuracy allows his average arm to play up and he’s capable of playing all three outfield positions, but his average foot speed may ultimately be better suited in a corner as he continues to fill out physically.
  
  The Future: Buelvas lacks an obvious carrying tool, but those most bullish on him see a hit-over-power everyday corner outfielder.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The A's invited three teenagers to their alternate training site: Tyler Soderstrom, their 2020 first-round pick; Robert Puason, their $5.1 million international signing in 2019; and Buelvas. Unlike his contemporaries, Buelvas arrived with considerably less pedigree after signing out of Colombia for just $100,000. But all he's done is impress since then, including posting a .300/.392/.506 line as a 17-year-old in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Buelvas does everything well despite lacking an obvious carrying tool. He's an instinctual player with an advanced approach for such a young hitter. Buelvas' 5-foot-11 frame has room for projection, although the A's don't envision much raw power. He has shown a penchant for finding the barrel and taking competitive at-bats against more experienced pitching. Buelvas' arm is average now, with a chance to reach above-average, and his speed gives him a shot to stick in center field. He didn't post gaudy statistics at either the alternate site or instructional league, but the A's love his passion for the game, work ethic and competitiveness.
  
  THE FUTURE: The A's trust Buelvas' makeup enough to keep pitting him against older competition. Starting 2021 at low Class A isn't out of the question.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The A's invited three teenagers to their alternate training site: Tyler Soderstrom, their 2020 first-round pick; Robert Puason, their $5.1 million international signing in 2019; and Buelvas. Unlike his contemporaries, Buelvas arrived with considerably less pedigree after signing out of Colombia for just $100,000. But all he's done is impress since then, including posting a .300/.392/.506 line as a 17-year-old in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Buelvas does everything well despite lacking an obvious carrying tool. He's an instinctual player with an advanced approach for such a young hitter. Buelvas' 5-foot-11 frame has room for projection, although the A's don't envision much raw power. He has shown a penchant for finding the barrel and taking competitive at-bats against more experienced pitching. Buelvas' arm is average now, with a chance to reach above-average, and his speed gives him a shot to stick in center field. He didn't post gaudy statistics at either the alternate site or instructional league, but the A's love his passion for the game, work ethic and competitiveness.
  
  THE FUTURE: The A's trust Buelvas' makeup enough to keep pitting him against older competition. Starting 2021 at low Class A isn't out of the question.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The A's invited three teenagers to their alternate training site: Tyler Soderstrom, their 2020 first-round pick; Robert Puason, their $5.1 million international signing in 2019; and Buelvas. Unlike his contemporaries, Buelvas arrived with considerably less pedigree after signing out of Colombia for just $100,000. But all he's done is impress since then, including posting a .300/.392/.506 line as a 17-year-old in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2019.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Buelvas does everything well despite lacking an obvious carrying tool. He's an instinctual player with an advanced approach for such a young hitter. Buelvas' 5-foot-11 frame has room for projection, although the A's don't envision much raw power. He has shown a penchant for finding the barrel and taking competitive at-bats against more experienced pitching. Buelvas' arm is average now, with a chance to reach above-average, and his speed gives him a shot to stick in center field. He didn't post gaudy statistics at either the alternate site or instructional league, but the A's love his passion for the game, work ethic and competitiveness.
  
  THE FUTURE: The A's trust Buelvas' makeup enough to keep pitting him against older competition. Starting 2021 at low Class A isn't out of the question.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Buelvas is part of a growing influx of talent from Colombia. He moved quickly to the states in 2019, playing and performing during the season’s second half in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he ranked as the No. 19 prospect.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Though not overly physical, Buelvas carries some deceptively loud tools, including an average exit velocity of 89 mph. He also shows solid bat speed and barrel control, but some evaluators believe the length of swing and overall balance at the plate could be problematic. While Buelvas still has projection remaining, any power uptick could be marginal. Buelvas’ speed is an asset both on the bases and in the field. Scouts are confident Buelvas has the skill set and tools to stay in center field, and A’s personnel have raved about his work ethic, energy and professional approach to the game.
  
  THE FUTURE: Buelvas is likely to head back to Arizona in 2020, though his advanced approach and makeup could help him reach short-season Vermont by year’s end.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Buelvas is part of a growing influx of talent from Colombia. He moved quickly to the states in 2019, playing and performing during the season's second half in the Rookie-level Arizona League, where he ranked as the No. 19 prospect.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Though not overly physical, Buelvas carries some deceptively loud tools, including an average exit velocity of 89 mph. He also shows solid bat speed and barrel control, but some evaluators believe the length of swing and overall balance at the plate could be problematic. While Buelvas still has projection remaining, any power uptick could be marginal. Buelvas' speed is an asset both on the bases and in the field. Scouts are confident Buelvas has the skill set and tools to stay in center field, and A's personnel have raved about his work ethic, energy and professional approach to the game.
  
  THE FUTURE: Buelvas is likely to head back to Arizona in 2020, though his advanced approach and makeup could help him reach short-season Vermont by year's end.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Having just turned 17 years old when he arrived in the AZL in early July, Buelvas was one of the younger players in the league but certainly made a favorable impression in short order. With no plus tools to his credit, Buelvas is one of those players in which the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts, as he's got that certain something that will likely have him playing above his tools. "Credit his work ethic," Athletics Green manager Eddie Menchaca said. "You cannot teach (that), and the passion he has for the game . . . (it's) something that's instilled in him." Buelvas plays with plenty of energy and has a chance to be an above-average or better hitter. His hands work well, and he showed good plate discipline in his pro debut. He's not a burner, but he has the instincts to be an average defender in center field and could be a plus defender if he moves to right field. What separates Buelvas even more is his all-around instincts for the game, especially impressive for someone so young.