FOB Top Prospects – #30 Carlos Belen

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Belen (3B)

6’1″ – 213 lbs.

DOB: 2/28/96

2013 Stats: .244/.332/.408, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 27 BB, 67 K (Dominican/Rookie League)

Belen was rated as the #8 international prospect by Baseball America last season before being signed by the Padres for $1,000,000 in 2012. The 17 year old Dominican was prized going into the international free agent signing period for his hitting ability and potential for power. By all accounts he is a below average third baseman, so if he grows into the power bat that the Padres think he will be, he will probably end up in right field.

Belen started out in the Dominican this past season as most young Dominican players do. What most young Dominican players don’t do is get moved stateside midseason. The Padres apparently thought enough of his hitting ability, even at his very young age, to bring him over to the Arizona Rookie League. He doesn’t strike out nearly as much as you would expect from a young Dominican hitter. With room for about 20 more pounds of muscle, the future looks extremely bright for Belen. I look forward to seeing what he can do this coming season, most likely in Eugene.