Melvin Jimenez

MELVIN JIMENEZ, SHORTSTOP
Born: September 9, 1995
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
Signed: Int’l Free Agent, 2014, Pittsburgh Pirates
How Acquired: International Free Agent
Country: Dominican Republic
Agent: N/A

WTM’s PLAYER PROFILE

Jimenez was a little old when he signed at 19 and wasn’t a highly touted signee, but he got off to a good start in the DSL.  He appears to be a very reliable defensive player.

2015
DSL:  301/401/376, 229 AB, 9 2B, 4 3B, 34 BB, 26 K, 8-9 SB

Jimenez was the team’s best player, getting on base a lot and showing very good plate discipline.  Christopher Perez was slated to be the regular shortstop, but he got hurt and Jimenez ended up spending half his time there.  He also played second and third.

2016
R:  236/307/258, 89 AB, 2 2B, 10 BB, 13 K, 3-6 SB

The Pirates moved Jimenez up to the GCL, where he played mainly at second, but also saw time at third and short.  He missed a lot of time with hamstring and foot injuries in June and July, then played semi-regularly in August.  He didn’t hit much and showed no power at all, although he did make contact most of the time.

2017
R+:  280/370/306, 157 AB, 2 2B, 1 3B, 24 BB, 15 K, 6-8 SB

Jimenez shared time at second with Nick Valaika and also got some action at third and short.  He didn’t hit for any power at all, but he made contact consistently and got on base at a good rate.

2018
A-:  200/300/223, 130 AB, 1 2B, 1 3B, 16 BB, 17 K, 0-1 SB

Jimenez served as a utility player at Morgantown, mainly splitting his time between second and third.  At the plate, he showed good discipline, but he didn’t hit the ball with any authority at all.

Jimenez could return as a utility player at the lower levels in 2019.

CONTRACT INFORMATION
2019: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 2015
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2021
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2018
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
October 17, 2014: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent.