Injury limited Jose in 2024 so a healthy 2025 is what Braves fans should be rooting for, for the incredibly talented shortstop.
How Acquired
Jose Perdomo was signed during the 2024 International Signing Period. He represents the most expensive international player the Atlanta Braves have ever signed – coming in at a record $5,000,000. He was considered the top offensive player available in the period thanks to a very advanced hit tool and approach for his age (17).
Preseason Report Card
What we knew about Jose Perdomo came completely from international scouts and YouTube compilations that you binge at 2 AM during the off-season because you’re craving baseball news. Leading into the international signing period Jose was considered the top offensive prospect in the class with a very advanced hit tool and approach at the plate. He has shown the potential to not just hit for average, but for good power and has above average knowledge of the zone itself.
Defensively Jose showed an explosive first step and good hands with a strong arm that gives him the ability to stay up the middle at the shortstop position making him an even more intriguing prospect. Ultimately he may move to third because of size, but as of this scouting report there’s no reason to believe Perdomo won’t be manning short.
What We Saw in 2024
What we saw in 2024 was a big of a mixed bag. Jose missed quite a bit of the season dealing with a hamstring issue that the Braves handled with great caution. Even upon his return to game action, the Braves throttled his playing time – allowing him to accrue just 20 total at bats in his first season in the Dominican Summer League. In those 8 games, Jose hit .250/.318/.250 (.568 OPS) with two stolen bases, two walks, four strikeouts, and a caught stealing.
While we aren’t going to judge someone over literally 20 at bats, the only thing that is concerning was his inability to stay healthy. Jose didn’t play in back-to-back games, and often was removed during games as well. It’s safe to say it was all precautionary and the Braves really just wanted him to be fully healthy, again because he was literally 17 years old, but as fans when you see your team invest the most money every in the history of a franchise you would hope to be able to see him at least stay on the field.
2025 Outlook
Despite the lack of playing time, the injury scares, and the price tag attached to someone so young – there is an overwhelming amount to like about Jose. He profiles as a cornerstone player who plays a premier defensive position, well, and a top of the lineup bat that hits for average, power, and can wreak havoc on the field. He will likely make his stateside debut next season in the second half of the season, with the first half being in the Florida Complex League.
While I would like to talk about expectations about his performance – the biggest thing for 2025 is for Jose to show an ability to stay on the field. Continued time missed due to soft tissue injuries, especially at 17, can be troubling so showing prolonged health is far more important than any kind of performance on the field.