Matthew Lugo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #18 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: When the Red Sox selected Lugo out of Puerto Rico and signed him to a $1.1 million bonus, they believed the nephew of Carlos Beltran would stick in the middle of the infield and grow into plus power. After he hit just four homers and slugged .364 in his first full pro season in 2021, a cleaned-up swing and a more hitter-friendly environment in High-A Greenville (before a season-ending promotion to Double-A) led to a .282/.338/.492 line with 18 homers and 54 extra-base hits in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: While Lugo showed solid bat-to-ball skills in 2021, a late trigger and some small rough mechanical edges resulted in a ton of grounders and flat liners. In 2022, he changed his mindset to drive the ball in the air. That adjustment, complemented by a smoother setup, allowed Lugo to unload on pitches in front of the plate to the pull side with average power. His strikeout rate remained a modest 19.8%, but his lack of selectivity is likely to compromise his hit tool. With average speed and arm strength, Lugo showed fringy range at short with 20 errors in 73 games and moved to second and third once Marcelo Mayer got to Greenville. He'll also get a look in center in 2023 as he looks for a true defensive home.
  
  The Future: Lugo's emerging power suggests a promising versatile righthanded bench player or a low-end regular. If he takes to the outfield or tightens his plate discipline, he could elevate that profile.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.
• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #14 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: The Red Sox drafted Lugo in 2019 and signed him for $1.1 million with the hope that he could develop as a solid defensive middle infielder—likely a second baseman—with above-average pop. Early in his pro career, his defense advanced ahead of expectations while his bat came around slowly. But after a rusty beginning to the 2021 season, Lugo closed his first full season of pro ball with a .303/.383/.429 line in his final 61 games in Low-A Salem.
  
  Scouting Report: Lugo lets the ball travel and has a direct-to-the-ball swing that represents both a strength and limitation. On one hand, at a young age, he shows good pitch recognition that allows him to draw walks and limits his strikeouts. On the other hand, the approach results in a lot of ground balls and hinders his ability to take advantage of his considerable strength. Even so, his ability to hit for average and get on base down the stretch in 2021 suggested a player who is making gains, with the possibility that power (beyond the four homers and 28 extra-base hits he had in 105 games) will follow. Defensively, Lugo showed fluidity and good arm strength at shortstop that provides hope that he can remain an option at the position, though he has yet to develop the diversity of arm slots that characterizes most who excel at the position. The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo is considered very mature in his work ethic and habits.
  
  The Future: Given the relatively limited game exposure Lugo received in Puerto Rico, he may follow a level-to-level progression, with an assignment to High-A Greenville for much or all of 2022 likely. If he develops 15-18 home run power, he’s a potential everyday middle infielder.
  
• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #16 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo emerged as an earlyround draftee in 2019 thanks to potential plus power along with the athleticism to stay on the middle infield. Drafted in the second round, he got off to a sizzling start in his pro debut in 2019 before fading down the stretch. Minor wrist soreness prevented him from playing games at instructional league in 2020
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Scout Edgar Perez saw a number of traits in Lugo that led the Red Sox to sign him for $1.1 million. Among those traits were athleticism, projectability, strength to create above-average power potential, maturity and baseball acumen to create confidence in his ability to advance through the minors. Lugo is described as strikingly mature in his routines and work, including strength work that led one evaluator to describe him as, pound for pound, the strongest prospect in the system. While many expected him to move to second base in pro ball, he has made significant strides at shortstop and many with the Red Sox now believe he can stick at the position.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo should start 2021 in full-season ball, with the potential to emerge eventually as a bat-first middle infielder.
• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #13 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Lugo, the nephew of Carlos Beltran and a graduate of his star uncle's academy in Puerto Rico, distinguished himself prior to the 2019 draft with his size, athleticism, and lively bat. He got off to a tremendous start in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before wearing out down the stretch. Lugo made some spot appearances in the Puerto Rican Winter League as well.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: When scout Edgar Perez saw Lugo, he recognized the potential for plus power. Perhaps more intriguing, he also saw the ability to manipulate the barrel in a way that suggested Lugo could make the adjustments to advance through the minors. Lugo has advanced size and strength through his lower half, although he's still physically immature through his chest and shoulders. He has a solid base at the plate with a relatively simple swing with natural lift. Like most young hitters, Lugo is aggressive early in the count and will need to learn better selectivity. Lugo's physical lower half creates some questions defensively. The Sox hope to play Lugo at shortstop, although second base may be a more likely outcome. Lugo has enough arm for the left side but needs to improve his footwork and finish.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo's power and middle-infield profile suggest a potential above-average regular.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #74 prospect in 2019 draft
  The top Puerto Rican prospect in the 2019 class, Lugo isn't at the level of Delvin Perez in 2016 or Heliot Ramos in 2017, but he gives the island a shot at a Day 1 selection that the 2018 Puerto Rican class didn't possess. Lugo is a raw but toolsy, 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop who has a chance to provide long-term defensive impact at a premium position. In addition to being a plus runner, Lugo has above-average arm strength, quick footwork and fast hands. But despite all of that talent, he still needs to improve his defensive reliability, including his positioning and routes to the ball. Lugo has offensive upside as well, with a skinny but projectable frame that scouts think will one day hold above-average raw power. He showed some of this potential impact at Perfect Game's Jupiter showcase last fall, when he roped a hard-hit double to straightaway center field that left that bat at 97 mph. However, his swing can get too long at times, and he often struggles against quality secondary offerings. Ultimately, there's a lot to dream on with Lugo, and he has a chance for above-average tools across the board if he adds more physicality. But whichever team drafts will need to be patient as he learns the intricacies of the game and adds more polish. Lugo is committed to Miami.'

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida Complex League #14 prospect in 2019
  Lugo, whose uncle is Carlos Beltran, was the top draft prospect in Puerto Rico this year, with the Red Sox selecting him in the second round (69th overall) and signing him for $1.1 million. While a lot of amateur scouts considered Lugo to have promising tools but a little raw, pro evaluators who saw him in the GCL praised his baseball IQ and sound defense. He projects to stick at shortstop, where he has quick hands and footwork to go with a plus arm. He's not a flashy fielder, but he's an instinctive defender who consistently made the routine plays and played under control during his time in the GCL. A plus runner, Lugo is at his best when he stays with his approach to the middle of the field, though he has a tendency for his swing to get long and pull-heavy, and some scouts saw him struggle against offspeed stuff. He has a solid frame and has a chance to develop solid-average raw power.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: When the Red Sox selected Lugo out of Puerto Rico and signed him to a $1.1 million bonus, they believed the nephew of Carlos Beltran would stick in the middle of the infield and grow into plus power. After he hit just four homers and slugged .364 in his first full pro season in 2021, a cleaned-up swing and a more hitter-friendly environment in High-A Greenville (before a season-ending promotion to Double-A) led to a .282/.338/.492 line with 18 homers and 54 extra-base hits in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: While Lugo showed solid bat-to-ball skills in 2021, a late trigger and some small rough mechanical edges resulted in a ton of grounders and flat liners. In 2022, he changed his mindset to drive the ball in the air. That adjustment, complemented by a smoother setup, allowed Lugo to unload on pitches in front of the plate to the pull side with average power. His strikeout rate remained a modest 19.8%, but his lack of selectivity is likely to compromise his hit tool. With average speed and arm strength, Lugo showed fringy range at short with 20 errors in 73 games and moved to second and third once Marcelo Mayer got to Greenville. He'll also get a look in center in 2023 as he looks for a true defensive home.
  
  The Future: Lugo's emerging power suggests a promising versatile righthanded bench player or a low-end regular. If he takes to the outfield or tightens his plate discipline, he could elevate that profile.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 45/High
  
  Track Record: When the Red Sox selected Lugo out of Puerto Rico and signed him to a $1.1 million bonus, they believed the nephew of Carlos Beltran would stick in the middle of the infield and grow into plus power. After he hit just four homers and slugged .364 in his first full pro season in 2021, a cleaned-up swing and a more hitter-friendly environment in High-A Greenville (before a season-ending promotion to Double-A) led to a .282/.338/.492 line with 18 homers and 54 extra-base hits in 2022.
  
  Scouting Report: While Lugo showed solid bat-to-ball skills in 2021, a late trigger and some small rough mechanical edges resulted in a ton of grounders and flat liners. In 2022, he changed his mindset to drive the ball in the air. That adjustment, complemented by a smoother setup, allowed Lugo to unload on pitches in front of the plate to the pull side with average power. His strikeout rate remained a modest 19.8%, but his lack of selectivity is likely to compromise his hit tool. With average speed and arm strength, Lugo showed fringy range at short with 20 errors in 73 games and moved to second and third once Marcelo Mayer got to Greenville. He'll also get a look in center in 2023 as he looks for a true defensive home.
  
  The Future: Lugo's emerging power suggests a promising versatile righthanded bench player or a low-end regular. If he takes to the outfield or tightens his plate discipline, he could elevate that profile.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Speed: 50. Fielding: 45. Arm: 50.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: The Red Sox drafted Lugo in 2019 and signed him for $1.1 million with the hope that he could develop as a solid defensive middle infielder—likely a second baseman—with above-average pop. Early in his pro career, his defense advanced ahead of expectations while his bat came around slowly. But after a rusty beginning to the 2021 season, Lugo closed his first full season of pro ball with a .303/.383/.429 line in his final 61 games in Low-A Salem.
  
  Scouting Report: Lugo lets the ball travel and has a direct-to-the-ball swing that represents both a strength and limitation. On one hand, at a young age, he shows good pitch recognition that allows him to draw walks and limits his strikeouts. On the other hand, the approach results in a lot of ground balls and hinders his ability to take advantage of his considerable strength. Even so, his ability to hit for average and get on base down the stretch in 2021 suggested a player who is making gains, with the possibility that power (beyond the four homers and 28 extra-base hits he had in 105 games) will follow. Defensively, Lugo showed fluidity and good arm strength at shortstop that provides hope that he can remain an option at the position, though he has yet to develop the diversity of arm slots that characterizes most who excel at the position. The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo is considered very mature in his work ethic and habits.
  
  The Future: Given the relatively limited game exposure Lugo received in Puerto Rico, he may follow a level-to-level progression, with an assignment to High-A Greenville for much or all of 2022 likely. If he develops 15-18 home run power, he&#39s a potential everyday middle infielder.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: The Red Sox drafted Lugo in 2019 and signed him for $1.1 million with the hope that he could develop as a solid defensive middle infielder—likely a second baseman—with above-average pop. Early in his pro career, his defense advanced ahead of expectations while his bat came around slowly. But after a rusty beginning to the 2021 season, Lugo closed his first full season of pro ball with a .303/.383/.429 line in his final 61 games in Low-A Salem.
  
  Scouting Report: Lugo lets the ball travel and has a direct-to-the-ball swing that represents both a strength and limitation. On one hand, at a young age, he shows good pitch recognition that allows him to draw walks and limits his strikeouts. On the other hand, the approach results in a lot of ground balls and hinders his ability to take advantage of his considerable strength. Even so, his ability to hit for average and get on base down the stretch in 2021 suggested a player who is making gains, with the possibility that power (beyond the four homers and 28 extra-base hits he had in 105 games) will follow. Defensively, Lugo showed fluidity and good arm strength at shortstop that provides hope that he can remain an option at the position, though he has yet to develop the diversity of arm slots that characterizes most who excel at the position. The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo is considered very mature in his work ethic and habits.
  
  The Future: Given the relatively limited game exposure Lugo received in Puerto Rico, he may follow a level-to-level progression, with an assignment to High-A Greenville for much or all of 2022 likely. If he develops 15-18 home run power, he’s a potential everyday middle infielder.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo emerged as an earlyround draftee in 2019 thanks to potential plus power along with the athleticism to stay on the middle infield. Drafted in the second round, he got off to a sizzling start in his pro debut in 2019 before fading down the stretch. Minor wrist soreness prevented him from playing games at instructional league in 2020
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Scout Edgar Perez saw a number of traits in Lugo that led the Red Sox to sign him for $1.1 million. Among those traits were athleticism, projectability, strength to create above-average power potential, maturity and baseball acumen to create confidence in his ability to advance through the minors. Lugo is described as strikingly mature in his routines and work, including strength work that led one evaluator to describe him as, pound for pound, the strongest prospect in the system. While many expected him to move to second base in pro ball, he has made significant strides at shortstop and many with the Red Sox now believe he can stick at the position.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo should start 2021 in full-season ball, with the potential to emerge eventually as a bat-first middle infielder.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo emerged as an earlyround draftee in 2019 thanks to potential plus power along with the athleticism to stay on the middle infield. Drafted in the second round, he got off to a sizzling start in his pro debut in 2019 before fading down the stretch. Minor wrist soreness prevented him from playing games at instructional league in 2020
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Scout Edgar Perez saw a number of traits in Lugo that led the Red Sox to sign him for $1.1 million. Among those traits were athleticism, projectability, strength to create above-average power potential, maturity and baseball acumen to create confidence in his ability to advance through the minors. Lugo is described as strikingly mature in his routines and work, including strength work that led one evaluator to describe him as, pound for pound, the strongest prospect in the system. While many expected him to move to second base in pro ball, he has made significant strides at shortstop and many with the Red Sox now believe he can stick at the position.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo should start 2021 in full-season ball, with the potential to emerge eventually as a bat-first middle infielder.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The nephew of Carlos Beltran, Lugo emerged as an earlyround draftee in 2019 thanks to potential plus power along with the athleticism to stay on the middle infield. Drafted in the second round, he got off to a sizzling start in his pro debut in 2019 before fading down the stretch. Minor wrist soreness prevented him from playing games at instructional league in 2020
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Scout Edgar Perez saw a number of traits in Lugo that led the Red Sox to sign him for $1.1 million. Among those traits were athleticism, projectability, strength to create above-average power potential, maturity and baseball acumen to create confidence in his ability to advance through the minors. Lugo is described as strikingly mature in his routines and work, including strength work that led one evaluator to describe him as, pound for pound, the strongest prospect in the system. While many expected him to move to second base in pro ball, he has made significant strides at shortstop and many with the Red Sox now believe he can stick at the position.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo should start 2021 in full-season ball, with the potential to emerge eventually as a bat-first middle infielder.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Lugo, the nephew of Carlos Beltran and a graduate of his star uncle’s academy in Puerto Rico, distinguished himself prior to the 2019 draft with his size, athleticism, and lively bat. He got off BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 55 Risk: Extreme to a tremendous start in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before wearing out down the stretch. Lugo made some spot appearances in the Puerto Rican Winter League as well.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: When scout Edgar Perez saw Lugo, he recognized the potential for plus power. Perhaps more intriguing, he also saw the ability to manipulate the barrel in a way that suggested Lugo could make the adjustments to advance through the minors. Lugo has advanced size and strength through his lower half, although he’s still physically immature through his chest and shoulders. He has a solid base at the plate with a relatively simple swing with natural lift. Like most young hitters, Lugo is aggressive early in the count and will need to learn better selectivity. Lugo’s physical lower half creates some questions defensively. The Sox hope to play Lugo at shortstop, although second base may be a more likely outcome. Lugo has enough arm for the left side but needs to improve his footwork and finish.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo’s power and middle-infield profile suggest a potential above-average regular.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Lugo, the nephew of Carlos Beltran and a graduate of his star uncle's academy in Puerto Rico, distinguished himself prior to the 2019 draft with his size, athleticism, and lively bat. He got off to a tremendous start in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before wearing out down the stretch. Lugo made some spot appearances in the Puerto Rican Winter League as well.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: When scout Edgar Perez saw Lugo, he recognized the potential for plus power. Perhaps more intriguing, he also saw the ability to manipulate the barrel in a way that suggested Lugo could make the adjustments to advance through the minors. Lugo has advanced size and strength through his lower half, although he's still physically immature through his chest and shoulders. He has a solid base at the plate with a relatively simple swing with natural lift. Like most young hitters, Lugo is aggressive early in the count and will need to learn better selectivity. Lugo's physical lower half creates some questions defensively. The Sox hope to play Lugo at shortstop, although second base may be a more likely outcome. Lugo has enough arm for the left side but needs to improve his footwork and finish.
  
  THE FUTURE: Lugo's power and middle-infield profile suggest a potential above-average regular.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  The top Puerto Rican prospect in the 2019 class, Lugo isn't at the level of Delvin Perez in 2016 or Heliot Ramos in 2017, but he gives the island a shot at a Day 1 selection that the 2018 Puerto Rican class didn't possess. Lugo is a raw but toolsy, 6-foot-1, 185-pound shortstop who has a chance to provide long-term defensive impact at a premium position. In addition to being a plus runner, Lugo has above-average arm strength, quick footwork and fast hands. But despite all of that talent, he still needs to improve his defensive reliability, including his positioning and routes to the ball. Lugo has offensive upside as well, with a skinny but projectable frame that scouts think will one day hold above-average raw power. He showed some of this potential impact at Perfect Game's Jupiter showcase last fall, when he roped a hard-hit double to straightaway center field that left that bat at 97 mph. However, his swing can get too long at times, and he often struggles against quality secondary offerings. Ultimately, there's a lot to dream on with Lugo, and he has a chance for above-average tools across the board if he adds more physicality. But whichever team drafts will need to be patient as he learns the intricacies of the game and adds more polish. Lugo is committed to Miami.'
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Lugo, whose uncle is Carlos Beltran, was the top draft prospect in Puerto Rico this year, with the Red Sox selecting him in the second round (69th overall) and signing him for $1.1 million. While a lot of amateur scouts considered Lugo to have promising tools but a little raw, pro evaluators who saw him in the GCL praised his baseball IQ and sound defense. He projects to stick at shortstop, where he has quick hands and footwork to go with a plus arm. He's not a flashy fielder, but he's an instinctive defender who consistently made the routine plays and played under control during his time in the GCL. A plus runner, Lugo is at his best when he stays with his approach to the middle of the field, though he has a tendency for his swing to get long and pull-heavy, and some scouts saw him struggle against offspeed stuff. He has a solid frame and has a chance to develop solid-average raw power.