Todd Johnson

Prospect Profile: Christian Olivo and His Interesting Road to the Cubs

The Cubs seem to be doing fairly well the past couple years in acquiring talent from Puerto Rico in the draft. Those prospects are tending to take a little bit longer to develop as they adjust to life in the United States as well as a different level of competition. This year, we’ve seen Nelson Velazquez and Luis Vazquez both do well at South Bend. When draft day came in 2021, the Cubs took another Puerto Rican shortstop in Christian Olivo, who is all of 17.

Basic Information

Age – 17

Position – SS

Height –  5-foot-11

Weight – 168

Bats – Right

Throws – Right

Olivo played at the prestigious Leadership Academy in Puerto Rico. Olivo also played in the draft league this spring at both second base and shortstop. He didn’t do very well hitting wise, but he displayed some potential for the future with his bat and swing.

The hitting side of his game is going to take some time. However his defense, has already been praised quite a bit. Here is what Perfect Game said about the young man.

Perfect Game said

Primary shortstop, worked out in the infield with great athleticism to actions, has clean footwork to the ball and soft hands, works through the ball well and generates easy strength on throws across clocked up to 90 mph. Right-handed hitter, has quickness to hands and works compact to and through the ball well, stays on a line drive swing path and turns the barrel head over well to create carry to the pull side. Good student. Named to 2020 Fall TP National Showcase Top Prospect List.

Originally slated to attend Seminole State College in Florida, a junior college, I was not surprised the Cubs were able to sign him as they have a pretty good track record of getting guys out of Puerto Rico the past few years. 

I didn’t think he would get a lot of time in Mesa this year just because of all the work he put in the spring and early summer. In addition, he’s only 17 and will probably end up sliding over to second base considering the shortstop depth of the Cubs have in the minors.

He has been getting some consistent playing time in instructs the past two weeks. He also seems to be struggling a bit going 6-for-35 (.171). He’s had a couple of good games, but those have been sparse.

His career path should really begin next year in extended spring training and then see where he goes from there. He could make his way to Myrtle Beach after a while or he could go to the Rookie League. He will only be 18 when next season begins and It should be interesting to see how the Cubs go about trying to improve his strength as he is a little bit undersized. More than likely, he moves over to 2B as that has been where’s he’s been playing this fall.

What I Said on Draft Day

Olivo is committed to play college baseball for Seminole State College, so given how late he was drafted, he very well may honor that commitment. Olivo has a nice swing from what videos indicate. He is a little smaller than most (5’11”) but he certainly brings a pretty swing and a body that can develop with time.

4 comments

  1. Todd, have only watched one tape and read some scouting reports, but was excited with the selection in July. He looked to be athletic, with a quick bat. Was a 100% projection selection and really fit in well with all of the 10 to 20 selections in the Cubs Draft. So happy with the direction the Cubs have gone the last two drafts.

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