Matthew Lugo

The top Puerto Rican prospect in the 2019 class, Lugo isn’t at the level of Delvin Perez in 2016 or Heliot Ramos in 2017, but he gives the island a shot at a Day 1 selection that the 2018 Puerto Rican class didn’t possess. Lugo is a raw but toolsy, 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop who has a chance to provide long-term defensive impact at a premium position. In addition to being a plus runner, Lugo has above-average arm strength, quick footwork and fast hands. But despite all of that talent, he still needs to improve his defensive reliability, including his positioning and routes to the ball. Lugo has offensive upside as well, with a skinny but projectable frame that scouts think will one day hold above-average raw power. He showed some of this potential impact at Perfect Game’s Jupiter showcase last fall, when he roped a hard-hit double to straightaway center field that left that bat at 97 mph. However, his swing can get too long at times, and he often struggles against quality secondary offerings. Ultimately, there’s a lot to dream on with Lugo, and he has a chance for above-average tools across the board if he adds more physicality. But whichever team drafts will need to be patient as he learns the intricacies of the game and adds more polish. Lugo is committed to Miami.'