Enmanuel Terrero showed some great plate discipline in his jump to the US last year, walking more than he struck out. This led to him getting on base nearly half of his plate appearances (.446 OBP).
He didn’t hit for much power, but at 19-years-old, there was still plenty of time to grow into some and really establish himself as a prospect.
Making the jump to Bradenton this season, it was a rough start for Terrero, as he didn’t pick up his first hit until his fifth game played.
Since then, the left-handed hitting outfielder has taken off and not only become one of the better hitters on the team, but also in the entire Florida State League.
It’s a simple approach at the plate that has allowed Terrero to succeed, and despite not being known for his power, is starting to hit the ball harder this year for Bradenton.
Early on this season, he has put up very respectable statcast numbers for a 20-year-old in his first taste of full season baseball. They look even more impressive when you factor in his rough start to the year, and some (hard hit rate and barrel rate) even approach what the major league average is.
One of the things that have really stood with Terrero at the plate has been his willingness to take what the pitcher gives him, even if it means hitting the ball the other way.
In the video above you can see three different at-bats in which he goes the other way for a hit all while the pitcher works the outer half of the plate against him.
The first clip the pitcher tries to follow up a slider away with a fastball, and Terrero is able to push the ball down the third base line, eventually ending up with a triple.
This kind of approach has led to more batted balls going the other way, as opposed to being pulled, something that is impressive for a young, left-handed hitter.
In the second video, Terrero has also shown the ability to drive the ball as well, even against breaking, and offspeed pitches.
He squares up a fastball and drives it right up the middle in the first clip, and then stays back and waits on a changeup, also picking up a double in that at-bat. He pulls another changeup that he waits back on for another hit in the third and final video.
Making consistent contact has been the biggest key for Terrero, as a little more two weeks into the season he has posted a sub-20% whiff rate against fastballs, with marks of 31.6% and 30% against breaking and offspeed pitches, respectively.
For a young hitter that’s moving up to full season baseball, both of those marks are a strong starting point as he makes adjustments.
Bradenton was going to be an interesting team to watch this season, and they’ve been able to string together some strong offensive performances in the early parts of the season, with a lot of that due to Terrero and his approach at the plate.
Anthony began writing over 10 years ago, starting a personal blog to cover the 2011 MLB draft, where the Pirates selected first overall. After bouncing around many websites covering hockey, he refocused his attention to baseball, his first love when it comes to sports. He eventually found himself here at Pirates Prospects in late 2021, where he covers the team’s four full season minor league affiliates.
I am hoping he pulls an Endy and moves up a couple levels this year.
His hit tool seems legit!
After seeing him a lot last year, I was baffled when he started 0-17. This seems to be a truly ferocious regression.
He’s like a blast from the past. Very patient, hits the ball where it’s thrown. Doesn’t try to pull everything, or uppercut everything. Just hits it hard all over the field. Like, damn, you can still do that!
This desire to have everyone uppercut everything will hopefully pass. Guys like Al Oliver, Richie Hebner, and Roberto Clemente all could have hit 30 plus homers a year and been less valuable hitters.
Any other high tools, or is he average all the way across?
Avg. Hit tool guy with a good eye. Probably profiles as 4th OF, which is perfectly good considering some of the awful bench options the Pirates have had.
I know it’s early, but this kid has numbers that are not seen too often at Bradenton, even for college players at A ball. Endy Rodriguez had big numbers at A Ball in 2021, but he was a year older than Terrero.
Right now Terrero has a 1.081 OPS with 4 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 HR in only 55 AB. He has 14 RBI and has also scored 14 times, 4/5 SB, 10 Walks/12 K’s. If I am not mistaken, he was very strong in the FCL last year in his first trip off the Island.
I know it does not pay to get too excited about kids this young, but he hits very well for average – check; hits for VG power – check; and hits for average and power with an excellent BB/K rate – Check.
I wonder whether he has any growth in his future?
This kid is going to play. The rule changes (which I HATED at first blush) have won me over 100%. The game “feels” more classic now, and this kid’s approach is refreshingly old-school.
Until today, I had never heard of Terrero, but I hope he makes me never forget him!
Was literally thinking about typing the same thing after reading the article. Beat me to it.