Ruben Ibarra Boasts Power In Minors
3 years agoCincinnati Reds first baseman Ruben Ibarra was selected in the fourth round of last year's draft thanks to his impressive power and solid fielding at first base. Since then, he has shown an ability to put baseballs in play, launch home runs, and drive in runs. He's also surprisingly athletic for someone who checks in at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds. Ibarra led San Diego State in fielding percentage during his final collegiate season, suggesting that he might be able to stick at first-base long-term even though the universal DH role has been adopted by the National League. Ibarra has spent 69 games in Single-A over the last two seasons, but his performance over the past week might be enough to garner a promotion to the next level. Over his last five games, he has gone 12-for-20 (.600) with three doubles, three homers, 10 RBI, and five strikeouts. It's far too early to project when he might make his MLB debut, but it's impossible to deny that his powerful bat could spark a mad dash to the fantasy baseball waiver wire in a few years.
Source: Fangraphs
Source: Fangraphs