Position: SS
Born: 9/20/1994
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 185 lb B-T: R-R
Acquired: Drafted 28th round in the 2017 draft out of the University of Tampa
Career Stats
FutureSox Prospect Rankings
- #25 – 2019 Preseason
FutureSox Media
Accolades
- South Atlantic League All-Star, 2018 Midseason
Scouting Report
Drafted in the 28th round in 2017 out of a Division II program, Rivera didn’t register much on people’s radars straight away. But he started making his presence felt by that fall in Instructs, with the likes of Nick Hostetler citing the positive surprise at what the saw from the infielder. Even then-White Sox manager Rick Renteria was asking who he was when visiting the camp in Arizona.
Rivera then had a bit of a coming-out during the 2018 season with his outstanding first half with Kannapolis. After being named a mid-season All-Star, Rivera was promoted to Winston-Salem where he didn’t skip a beat. At the plate, Rivera struck out fewer than 20% of the time and reached base at a .361 clip. The power numbers were a bit surprising (13 home runs), but Rivera proved he can hold his own.
He finished 2018 with a rough stint in the Arizona Fall League (.215/.271/.246 in 71 PA). That may have been a sign of things to come. Rivera struggled in Double-A Birmingham the next year (.248/.287/.318).
The defense is there, but can his bat bounce back at AA and beyond?
Major League Outlook: Utility infielder
ETA: 2022