Quote:
Originally Posted by Great Expectations
Crazy how high Mondesi is rated. Is he the youngest player to crack the top 100?
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I think so.
He could jump into the top 25 with a good campaign at full-season ball. He's going to be 18 for most of the season... if he continues to flash the defensive skills and instincts that those who have seen him have raved about, and holds his own offensively, he's going to skyrocket.
Here's the BP scouting report on him:
Strengths: Instincts are off-the-chart; tremendous feel for the game; 6 defensive profile at shortstop; plus arm; plus range; slick actions; soft hands; fluid swing from both sides of the plate; can drive the ball into the gaps despite limited (present) strength; easy feel for good contact; hit tool projects to plus; good baserunner; shows legit baseball skills at very young age.
Weaknesses: Lots of developmental unknowns; athletic body/frame, but needs to add strength; see ball, hit ball mentality in the box; susceptible to off-speed offerings; more bat speed from the right-side; lacks power potential.
Explanation of Risk: Extreme risk; despite game skills and precocious talent, wide gap between present and future; only 17 years old
The Year Ahead: Mondesi has the potential to be a special talent, but his statistical output in the next few years might not accurately reflect the scouting reports. Despite being an advanced talent for his age—with instincts that one source dubbed “Jeter like,” and possessing major league bloodlines—Mondesi is still only 17-years-old and will be playing against much older competition if he jumps to the full-season level. His lack of strength could limit his offensive function for a few years, but his glove work will continue to draw praise, as will his overall approach to the game, which mirrors a major-league veteran more than a player that would be entering his senior year in high school.