Chicago Cubs: Checking in on the Cubs top 5 hitting prospects
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago Cubs signed Ademan in the 2015-2016 international amateur market to a $2 million bonus. He comes in ranked as the number six overall prospect in the farm system.
The Chicago Cubs were second to only the Dodgers in the 2015-2016 international amateur market in terms of spending. They shelled out a whopping $16.4 million in player bonuses, of which $2 million was given to shortstop, Aramis Ademan. He stands at 5-foot11 and just 160 pounds, but he should fill out a bit more as he gets older.
Shortly after being signed, Ademan played in the Dominican Summer League. There he slashed 0.254/0.366/0.316 in 59 games with no home runs and 16 runs-batted-in. He figures to be less of a power hitter in the majors, but he can hit the ball to all areas of the field, similar to Nico Hoerner. Ademan is primarily a pull-hitter with an average near 50 percent of the balls he puts into play, with an almost even groundball/flyball ratio of 40/40 and the remaining 20 percent being line drives.
Ademan started the 2017 season with Class-A short-season Eugene but played 29 games for South Bend as well. In total, he slashed 0.267/0.324/0.427 as an 18-year old with 15 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, and 42 runs-batted-in. He struck out in just 17 percent of his at-bats with a walk rate near six percent. The Cubs determined that was good enough to get promoted to High-A Myrtle Beach for the 2018 season.
With Myrtle Beach, Ademan struggled mightily facing better pitching. He slashed just 0.207/0.291/0.563 in 114 games. Although he does not have much power, his 2018 home-run to flyball ratio was the worst of his career at just 2.9 percent. Ademan has remained in High-A to start the 2019 season and is off to a decent start. In ten games thus far, he is slashing 0.226/0.368/0.387 with one triple, one home-run, six runs-batted-in, and six walks. He does have ten strikeouts so far this season, so hopefully can make the necessary adjustments.
Ademan has a terrific plate approach and draws a good amount of walks. Scouts really like his swing and pitch recognition at the plate with solid hands and range in the field (via MLB.com).
"Though he batted just .207/.291/.273 in 2018, Ademan still displayed an efficient left-handed swing and an advanced approach. He recognizes pitches well and uses the entire field, though his rough season demonstrated his need to add strength. He won’t ever be a slugger but needs more muscle in order to reach his potential as an above-average hitter with some occasional pull power. Ademan’s instincts allow him to play above his average speed on the bases and in the field. He has a good internal clock at shortstop, as well as the solid hands, range and arm to make plays there. His tools should allow him to play second base and third base if he needs to fill a utility role, though he should hit enough to be a regular if he gets the chance to catch his breath."
He is currently on track to reach the majors in 2021. Hopefully, he has a solid first half in High-A and he can adjust to Double-A pitching.