Call to the pen
Fansided

St. Louis Cardinals Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Detailed view of St. Louis Cardinals hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the ninth inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Cardinals 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 12
Next
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West outfielder Harrison Badder of the St Louis Cardinals during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West outfielder Harrison Badder of the St Louis Cardinals during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Harrison Bader, OF

Birthdate: 6/3/94 (22 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA, AAA
Stats in 2016: .267/.335/.452, 19 HR, 13 SB

Bader is a guy who fits the college hitter profile that the Cardinals seem to pursue, guys like Stephen Piscotty, Allen Craig, or Matt Carpenter. Bader has a wide array of skills, but his best attribute coming out of college was considered to be the “professionalism” of his at bats.

Bader has jumped up the ladder in his short time in the system, already reaching AAA in his first full season after being drafted in the third round in 2015.

(Bader) has a solid contact ability, with good bat speed in the zone and excellent ability to apply the barrel to pitches

While the other guys mentioned are most noted for their pure hitting, Bader brings an all-around athleticism to the plate that is rare in the mold of a “Cardinal-type” college hitter.

He has a solid contact ability, with good bat speed in the zone and excellent ability to apply the barrel to pitches as well. He has struggled some with his aggressive approach early in at bats, but he’s also shown that he does know the zone well, just perhaps struggles with pitch type recognition.

Bader has shown the ability to handle all three outfield positions at an average level, but he doesn’t really have a standout ability at any one outfield spot, which is why he’s typically pegged as a left fielder.

Most likely Bader will open 2017 in AAA Memphis, but he’ll be a guy that the Cardinals look to quickly to fill a role if he continues to show the progress that he has in his system.

Next: #3

Home/St. Louis Cardinals