Cristofer Torin Has One of the Best Hit Tools in D-backs System
This article is part of a series counting down the Diamondbacks Top 30 prospects entering the 2024 season. These rankings are determined by Michael McDermott, in conjunction with the Inside the Diamondbacks staff.
Summary: Cristofer Torin proved to be a key member of the D-backs acclaimed 2022 international amateur free agent class. Torin signed out of Venezuela for $240K and quickly established himself as one of three prospects from that year with a strong future. With a strong hit tool and playing an up the middle position, he is one of their better prospects in terms of floor. However his size and lack of projectable power handicaps his ceiling, especially in a second base profile rather than shortstop. The questionable ceiling is the only concern that keeps him out of the Top 10.
Rank: 13
Age: 18
Height/Weight: 5'10" 155 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Tools: Hit 60, Power 40, Defense 45, Run 50, Arm 45, Overall 45
ETA: 2027
2023 Recap: Coming off an impressive debut in the Dominican Summer League in his Age 17 season, the question would be what Torin could do for an encore. He had no problem handling the complex, hitting .320 with 21 walks to nine strikeouts in 26 games. In August, they aggressively promoted him to Class A Visalia. That's where Torin struggled. In 39 games he slashed .236/.314/.300 with 30 strikeouts to nine walks. It likely presented the first time the disciplined hitter struggled in his career, and a taste of what's to come as he climbs up the ladder.
2024 Expectations: Torin will open the year splitting time with Jansel Luis at the middle infield spots with Visalia. The main areas of progression will be seeing how his body, raw power, and plate discipline improve after his first full year in the system. If he's able to show those things in Visalia and earn a promotion to Hillsboro before the year is over, it'll be easy to project him as a Top 10 prospect in the organization a year from now.
Projection: Given the organization's minor league depth at shortstop, Torin is likely to move over to second base long term. His handicapped offensive ceiling could make that transition more difficult to stick, especially if there is no growth in the power department. It also likely doesn't help that most of Arizona's top infield prospects are right-handed if we're looking at a potential utility role as well. Between Torin, Luis, Jordan Lawlar, Gino Groover, Ruben Santana, and Tommy Troy, the D-backs have six infield prospects with a major league ceiling to handle four infield spots.
