Tampa Bay Rays Top 10 Prospects For 2017
3. Jake Bauers, OF
Birthdate: 10/6/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA
Stats in 2016: .274/.370/.420, 14 HR, 10 SB
Bauers is a guy who came to the Rays in the Wil Myers trade, and many were thinking he was a bat-only sort of guy that didn’t really have a great defensive path.
Instead, Bauers has really shown that he could be a corner outfielder with ease, handling both corner positions very well, and he also showed what could be considered elite first base defense in his time there as well, so while his bat may be his carrying tool, it won’t be his only one for sure.
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Bauers has a very compact, direct swing from the left side that generates a lot of contact and allows him to spray the ball throughout the field. His raw power in batting practice is obvious, but he’s not translated it purely into game showing yet, though he has made strides each season in that area, and hitting 43 extra base hits in AA as a 20 year old is nothing to throw water on.
Bauers has excellent pitch recognition, and he has done well keeping his strikeout rate low for a guy who will likely be a middle of the order sort of hitter while also showing the ability to take a walk.
Bauers will likely move up to AAA in 2017, and his path to the majors will likely depend on whether the Rays want to see him at 1B or a corner outfield spot, but he can do either one well.
Next: #2