Livan Soto: LA Angels Prospect Profile

LA Angel fans were treated to big news last week when the Angels inked big time prospect Kevin Maitan to a $2.2m deal. There’s plenty to be excited about regarding Maitan’s development track, but what many overlook is the complimentary move the Angels made with this move. In tandem with the Maitan signing, the Angels brought aboard Livan Soto for $850k, Another highly talented shortstop from the Braves system.

Livan Soto is more than just a talent in development, he’s a future centerpiece in the making. Not enough has been said regarding the 17-year-old shortstops skill set, though many scouts praised his base skill-set there is still a lot of development to be had for the young star-in-the-making. Which is somewhat an astounding statement given how advanced certain nuances of his game already is, at the age of 17.

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It’s no surprise the LA Angels decided to bring him into the organization after the Braves lost multiple prospects.

When Braves scouts decided to bring Soto on board in 2016 there was a lot to be said about his talents. At the age of 17 his batters eye is beyond well-developed. He owns a very quick, compacted swing that highlights top-tier bat-to-ball skills. On top of his bat skills his ability to work the opposing pitcher into deep counts is exceptional, with 27 BB’s to 26 K’s in 173 PA’s during the 2017 season.

It’s easy to see why they would offer a passing grade to what may seem like a slim stat line. His mechanics are very solid; he has a great presence in the batters box and gap-based approach. Livan Soto’s development is less so than many players in the sense that he only needs adapt power to his approach.

I understand that sounds like a big deal, but that’s only if the power is developed through mechanical shifting instead of natural development. His swing is already there and is eye is developed beyond his years. Defensively he may not pan out at SS, but that’s okay because 2B is a chronic need to the Angels. A common major-league comparison made by scouts is with Royals SS Alcides Escobar sans top-tier defense.

All things considered, the 17-year-old Soto has a lot of development left on top of his well-defined skill set. Soto is less a “work in progress” and more a “talent that requires refinement”. Soto’s development track looks highly-encouraging, a player already ahead of his class in major aspects of the game.

Next: Kevin Maitan Prospect Profile

While there is some serious rounding out required in terms of slugging potential it’s safe to say the Angels have secured a piece for their future. Even if he does end up playing ultility-man he can still command a career similar to Maicer Izturis.

Things are looking good for Livan Soto and the Angels.