- Full name Derek Curiel
- Born 05/24/2005 in
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Draft Prospects
-
School:LSU Age At Draft: 21.1
Curiel was one of the more highly-touted freshmen to make it to campus, and so far he has hit the ground running. Through nine games, Curiel is hitting .438/.561/.594 with three extra-base hits, seven RBIs and more walks (7) than strikeouts (6). It’s extremely early, but Curiel’s hit tool to this point grades out as plus. He has a simple, rhythmic operation in which he takes a direct path to contact and uses the entire field. We wonder how much impact he’ll grow into, which has been the biggest question mark with Curiel dating back to his days as a prepster. He has played mostly left field this spring, but he has above-average instincts and takes crisp, efficient routes to the baseball. He figures to compete for the center field job next season. -
School:LSU Age At Draft: 21.1
Curiel was one of the more highly-touted freshmen to make it to campus, and so far he has hit the ground running. Through nine games, Curiel is hitting .438/.561/.594 with three extra-base hits, seven RBIs and more walks (7) than strikeouts (6). It’s extremely early, but Curiel’s hit tool to this point grades out as plus. He has a simple, rhythmic operation in which he takes a direct path to contact and uses the entire field. We wonder how much impact he’ll grow into, which has been the biggest question mark with Curiel dating back to his days as a prepster. He has played mostly left field this spring, but he has above-average instincts and takes crisp, efficient routes to the baseball. He figures to compete for the center field job next season.
Top 100 Rankings
Scouting Reports
-
School: Orange (Calif.) Lutheran HS Committed: LSU
Age At Draft: 19.2
Curiel has an ease of operation to his game that stands out at the plate and in the field. He has a calm, balanced swing that’s quick, fluid and direct to the ball with good bat control and strike-zone discipline. His contact rate stacks up among the best in the 2024 class with good plate coverage and a knack for going with where the ball is pitched to use the whole field. Curiel has a wiry frame that he has started to add strength to, which has helped him generate more bat speed and extra-base damage at times. He’s still listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds and scouts do wonder how much physicality and strength he’ll pack on in the future, and therefore what his power upside might be. It’s his on-base skills that stand out more than his power, but he drives the ball well during BP, and there could be another uptick in power once he fills out and learns which pitches to try to drive for pull-side damage in the air. He’s been a plus runner in the past, but in the 2023 showcase season he more frequently turned in average run times from home to first. Curiel has above-average center field instincts and glides around the outfield with an easy stride, efficient routes and has an average, accurate arm. He is committed to LSU.
