Getting to Know Undrafted Free Agent: Jan Luis Reyes |
Anytime you dig into the undrafted free agent ranks, you never know what you are going to get. Sure, you can have some success, as the Cubs have had with Grant Kipp and others, but adding undrafted free agents to any organization is more of a scouting play at best.
These are players who were either done with college or want to get into professional baseball in some aspect and thus sign the cheapest contract possible to land with a team. What they do with the opportunity given to them is up to them, as they are not guaranteed a roster spot at any point. When it comes to the Cubs, they have added a pair of undrafted free agents so far and are expected to add more potentially in the coming days or weeks. Charley Hurley from Texas was the first of the two undrafted free agents discussed, with Jan Luis Reyes being the second. Although his 5-11 and 165 pounds isn't your ideal when adding a player to your roster, Reyes is a very intriguing prospect and one that could make some noise throughout the system for years to come. An outfielder from Puerto Rico, Reyes was ranked in the top 500 and checked in at No. 358 overall. That included being the 64th-best OF and the third-best prospect in Puerto Rico, as he was a highly regarded player for the past several years. Despite his recognition as a prospect, Reyes didn't attract a ton of big offers, but he still managed to secure a scholarship with Alabama State, where he was expected to play next season. Despite his lack of overall size, Reyes is a surprisingly strong hitter. His strong lower body and physical frame lead to some hard contact and high exit velocities. He uses his strong lower half and middle to generate plenty of bat speed, which allows him to get the barrel of the bat out front to square up the ball. While he has hit for some power so far, the more strength he continues to add, the more power will follow, which would be huge for the Cubs should he wind up hitting for more power and becoming a steal. Despite touching 93 MPH from the mound when given the opportunity to throw, Reyes will not be a pitcher and will continue to focus on the OF, where LF appears to be his best position. His overall athletic ability, quick feet, and above-average speed make him an ideal candidate for LF, but there is a chance he could wind up in CF before his career is over. Another thing that Reyes brings to the table is an advanced hitting approach for a young player while also producing from the left side of the plate. Adding more left-handed hitters has been something the Cubs have been lacking in recent seasons, but finding one with the potential of Reyes could go down as the steal of the undrafted period. Unlike most undrafted pickups who land on a team after college, Reyes signed with the Cubs directly out of high school despite having that Alabama St. Commitment. The only explanation for that would be the Cubs giving him a bigger bonus than what most undrafted players typically get, which allows him to get into their organization sooner than normal to develop. Knowing the Cubs' track record when it comes to scouting in Puerto Rico, Reyes could be another solid player that most teams wouldn't think twice about, but he still has plenty to offer the Cubs and their organization. 2024 OF/LHP Jan Luis Reyes (PR) is a really interesting player. Physical frame with strong lower half and remaining projection throughout.
Advanced bat-to-ball skills from the left side with some raw power, plays a confident CF as well. @BamaStateBB commit. pic.twitter.com/5HH8pxnn8P
