Complex Level Hitters are updated, leading to Volume 9 of PARScards: Geuri Lubo.
Let's take a peek at the top 10 hitters:
There was no movement in the top 4.
Yeremi Cabrera soars into the fifth spot from #26, with a .385/.550/.846 slash since the last update. He paired that with a 5:2 BB:K rate, with a 2B/3B/HR and 2/2 SB.
Paulino, Cuevas, Arias, and Quintero remain in the top 10.
At number 10 we welcome the subject of today's PARScard, Geuri Lubo.
Aside from landing in the top 10, what grabbed my attention with Lubo?
He's moved up the ranks with each update:
That's an ascension of 181 spots since week 1.
So let's dig in.
Lubo was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 as a 17-year-old. He spent 2021 and 2022 in the DSL, with pretty run-of-the-mill results. He was named a mid-season DSL all-star in 2022, so there's that. The Cubs then bumped him up the Complex for 2023, where he amassed a 68 wRC+ on the year. Not good, Jim.
For 2024, Lubo is now slightly old for a level that he's repeating. Should this turn us off completely, or do we think that a 20-year-old with a .377/.500/.557 slash line deserves some attention?
How about with a swing like this?
That's pretty.
Lubo converted from the dirt to right field this year, where he gets to showcase his above-average arm. Listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Lubo also runs, swiping 10 bags in 12 attempts over 24 games. The Cubs have to think he's about ready for full-season ball, as Lubo's turned it alllll the way up in June (.444/.645/.778). His approach has improved this month as well, with a 10:3 BB:K rate compared to a 3:13 rate in May.
Myrtle Beach has to be coming soon. Their current outfielders are Ismael Mena (milb-bat #728, PARS score 39.2), Jacob Wetzel (milb-bat #772, PARS score 38.8), Alfonsin Rosario (milb-bat #1309, PARS score 24.2), and Andy Garriola (milb-bat #1368, PARS score 22.7). Rosario is a legit prospect, but the Cubs should absolutely prioritize Lubo over the others.
That's some goooood plate coverage there, Geuri. Go get it.
Who knows what's going on here. If he was a year younger, and not a level-repeater, Lubo would be the #2 overall hitter at the complex. If you're interested in a deep league dart throw on a dude who is absolutely CRUSHING right now, Lubo might be your guy.
I submitted a request to Fantrax to add him to the player pool for anyone looking to take the plunge, fyi.
Thanks for reading!
—Rick ✌🏼