1. Dansby Swanson, SS
Birthdate: 2/11/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high-A, AA, MLB
Stats in 2016: .275/.362/.424, 9 HR, 13 SB
Swanson’s hair is truly the #1 prospect here. Dansby’s on-field game is simply along for the ride!
Swanson has more than just the hair tool. He also is tremendous on the field leading the team. I heard about his leadership from many who compared him to Jeter for that reason, and I honestly passed it off as one of those flowery things that someone says. Then I watched Swanson take the ball from the pitcher and calm a struggling guy down so he could get out of an inning. I watched him yell out instructions as a ball came in from the outfield so everyone was in the position they should be in. He was the quintessential quarterback on the field.
Swanson isn’t just immeasurables, though. He has excellent patience at the plate, the ability to make solid contact, above-average power and speed, and an excellent defensive profile. Frankly, take the profile of Whalen on the mound and translate it to Swanson. He doesn’t have a single tool that is elite really, but his mental makeup makes all those above-average tools play up into an elite player.
Oh, and the hair. That lovely, glorious hair. I mean, just look at that picture!
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