Texas Spring Break: Day 3 (Houston)

Izaac Pacheco 3B / 1B / Friendswood, TX / 2021

A monster among boys, Pacheco’s 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame is unmistakable, and as close to pro-ready as you find in the class. Carrying the weight well with defined strength throughout including a thicker lower-half, the powerful left-handed hitter went 2-for-6 across two games taking a multitude of impressive swings, especially in the second game, that included a deep single driven off the right field fence. Relaxed in his approach with an innate ability to slow the game down, Pacheco is a constant threat to leave the yard, and the power potential is sure to draw plenty of suitors come draft day. The hands separate down and back into a power position with a shorter stride that almost inhibits free flow and momentum through impact, although his athleticism and overwhelming strength currently makes up for it. At times, the hands appeared to push away from the body through the load, but again, his advanced skill allows him to make up for it at this time. Facing a loose left-hander that nibbled off the plate in the first game, Pacheco exhibited a propensity to drive the ball to the opposite field. He attacked pitches to the outer third and beyond, letting the barrel lag in the zone before impacting them with authority. There is clearly easy coverage of the plate, and he demonstrated the ability to change planes when needed. He was in control of his at-bat at all times including when falling behind in counts, and the ability to keep the hands back stands out, and promises a better chance to hit premium pitching in the future. Pacheco made every play that came to him at shortstop, including gunning down a runner trying to move up on a double, and while the feet can get heavy and a bit stagnant, his soft, confident hands stand out as an above average tool to go along with a strong, above average quick arm. Obviously, a shift to third base is in his immediate future at the professional ranks, and he provides evidence in his present play that he should be able to stick there, which should only help elevate the value that his bat presents. Perhaps most impressive, Pacheco handles himself with grace and a professional aura. There is attention to detail in all aspects of his game, and a maturity to his process that stands out from the moment he walks into the dugout before pregame. Overall, the quick two game showing was more than enough to warrant Day 1 consideration, and if the strong start to his spring season extends through the whole season, expect his name to continue rising.