Juan Cruz had an impressive freshman campaign last season as one of the best hitters at the collegiate level for the Alabama State Hornets. He was consistent for his team but also ranked among the top Division 1 freshman baseball players in HBCU Baseball. After his first year, Cruz, a right-handed hitter, tallied 11 home runs.
As the Hornets’ first baseman, Cruz embodies the qualities of a five-tool player and could get recognized as one of the best amateur baseball players in the country. He earned accolades such as the 2024 SWAC Freshman of the Year, a spot on the 2024 All-SWAC First Team, and recognition on Black College Nines’ Large School Elite First Team for the 2024 season.
Cruz’s impressive size and physicality set him apart from most competitors; standing at 6’5″ and weighing 240 pounds, he is a formidable presence. However, in baseball, skill is paramount. Let’s explore what could position Cruz among the best Division 1 baseball players in 2025.
Alabama A&M University
Juan Cruz
| Season | AVG | GP | GS | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SLG% | BB | SO | OP% | ||||||||||
| 2024 | .389 | 47 | 40 | 170 | 35 | 65 | 10 | 0 | 11 | 57 | .641 | 12 | 27 | .430 | ||||||||||
| Total | .389 | 47 | 40 | 170 | 35 | 65 | 10 | 0 | 11 | 57 | .641 | 12 | 27 | .430 | ||||||||||
| Season | PO | A | E | FLD% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024 | 231 | 13 | 4 | .984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 231 | 13 | 4 | .984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Plate Discipline. The most striking statistics, the “BOOM statistics” immediately demonstrate Cruz’s elite status. He hit 11 home runs last season, boasting an impressive OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.071. His natural strength and lift in his right-handed swing-combined with his solid defensive skills at first base, make him exceptional.
When examining NCAA Division 1 baseball freshmen, players like Daniel Cuvet from the University of Miami hit more home runs than Cruz, tallying 24. However, he hit 3 more bomb shots than Cuvet. Cruz excels in his ability to avoid swinging at poor pitches. A player who only relies on hitting home runs often strikes out frequently and can become a “rally killer.” In contrast, Cruz’s high on-base percentage signifies that he reaches base over half the time he is at the plate, making him a game-changer who can extend innings with one swing.
During his freshman year in 2024, Cruz demonstrated remarkable talent with his ability to hit for opposite-field power without over-swinging. He maintained a .389 batting average, achieving 65 hits along with his 11 home runs. In 170 at-bats, he struck out only 27 times, consistently contacting the ball. Cruz does not just swing for home runs; he can hit the ball to all fields, showcasing his power.
The Alabama State Hornets’ season kicks off on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex in Montgomery, AL, where they will face Southern Indiana in a scheduled four-game series.