Padres sign Mexican OF Oliver Carrillo
Credit: El Fideo
The San Diego Padres signed 19-year-old Mexican outfielder Oliver Carrillo this week.
The Major League Baseball lockout is in full effect, but some international and free-agent signings may still take place.
A.J. Preller and his staff wasted no time during the work stoppage as the Padres signed Mexican outfielder Oliver Carrillo.
The reigning MVP from the South Zone in the Mexican Winter Leagues is coming off an impressive season where he put up a .441/.586/.806 slash line. Carrillo just missed winning the triple crown in the league, but he finished second in batting average. His eight homers and 46 RBI’s were a league-high as he pounded the ball all season long in Mexico.
Short in stature, the soon to be 20 year old is full of power potential. His swing is improving, and if it wasn’t for his size (listed at 5-foot-9), he would have arguably already been signed by a major league team. His breakout season for El Aguila put the talented outfielder on the map.
Defensively, Carrillo can play all three positions in the outfield, where he showcases a plus arm with good carry on his throws. There is also plus speed from Carrillo, who is described as an aggressive base runner. “El Chanito” as he is lovingly referred to by his teammates is an excellent clubhouse presence. There are glowing reports about his character.
The Padres were not the only suitors for Carrillo, but Padres’ scout Emmanuel Rangel was able to sign the outfielder when it was all said and done. The Padres continue to build the farm system and stock talented young players with upside.
Carillo is very raw, and there are concerns about his size, but his numbers this winter are eye-opening.
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The Padres may have stolen a young player who is a late-bloomer and only scratching the surface of his potential. When asked about signing with the Padres, Carrillo displayed his happiness and stressed that his family is very proud of him. Carrillo is described as a very humble human being and a devoted family man.
Take a look at the swing. The power is legit as he rifles a ball out to the right-field gap with ease. Very impressive power potential is displayed from this right-handed batter.
¡Poder hacia la banda contraria de Oliver Carillo!
#LIM2021 pic.twitter.com/8d5Q6yT6A3
— El Águila de Veracruz (@elaguilabeisbol) October 22, 2021
The Padres are content with the bat, and it is not clear where the outfield will begin his professional career. A start in Lake Elsinore or Fort Wayne makes sense for the elder prospect. In time, the Padres could reap the benefits of this signing. For now, Carrillo will join the hoard of prospects that A.J. Preller and his staff collected.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.