Track Record: Signed by the Phillies out of Venezuela in 2018, Azuaje spent the 2019 season in the Dominican Summer League before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered the 2020 minor league season. He made his U.S. debut in 2021 with an encouraging stint in the Florida Complex League. He continued to impress with the bat in instructional league.
Scouting Report: Azuaje stands out for his ability as a hitter, with a flat swing that leads to line-to-line contact with improved bat speed, and he has good recognition of spin. He is an aggressive hitter who makes plenty of contact, but that aggressiveness leads to a high chase rate and few walks. Azuaje could develop into a plus hitter if he's able to show a more selective approach. He has deceptive power and hit five home runs with six doubles in the FCL. Azuaje is an excellent athlete with plus-plus running ability and ran a 6.41-second 60-yard dash in 2018. Azuaje has a bat-first profile, and is a fringe-average defender at second base with a fringe-average arm, but his speed allows his range to play up.
The Future: After an impressive 2021 season, Azuaje should make his full-season debut at Low-A Clearwater in 2022.
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