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MLB Top Ten Shortstop Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Sep 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) dives home to score an inside the park home run against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (2) dives home to score an inside the park home run against the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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10. Kevin Maitan, Atlanta Braves

With less experience and younger than probably every other “one to watch” player I highlight in these pieces, Maitan is an odd inclusion for some.

However, Maitan is considered the best international prospect in many years, the best since a Miguel – Sano for some, Cabrera for others.

Maitan will make his debut this coming season, likely after time in extended spring training, though there are rumors that he could start as high as low-A, which is just crazy to consider for a guy just 17 years old.

Maitan came to the fall instructional league roughly 3-5 inches taller and thicker than his 6’2″, 190 pound listing, with one picture of him next to Juan Yepez, who is a legit 6’2″ and 200ish pounds, and he just dwarfs Yepez.

Maitan could end up moving simply due to his size growth, but for the time being, he’s being considered a shortstop, so that’s where he’s at on this list.

9. Isan Diaz, Milwaukee Braves

When the Diamondbacks traded for Jean Segura last offseason, there was a significant amount of discussion about the impact of Segura, reliever Tyler Wagner, starter Chase Anderson, and infielder Aaron Hill, who were the other players in the deal, but seemingly minimal discussion on the true talent level of Diaz.

Diaz was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft out of high school in Massachusetts. After struggling in rookie ball in his draft year, he was moved to advanced rookie ball in 2015, and the numbers were ridiculous with a 1.076 OPS and 44 extra base hits in 68 games.

Diaz currently plays shortstop, and while he may not play shortstop with the Brewers long term due to the presence of Orlando Arcia, his standing in the system certainly was improved with his performance in his first year in the Brewers system.

He played in low-A, and his line was .264/.365/.469 with 34 doubles, 20 home runs, and 11 stolen bases. The impressive part was that he was sent to the Arizona Fall League, and as one of the few players that had not played at least high-A ball, he wasn’t overwhelmed during his time there.

Diaz has sure hands and actions at short, though his range and growing size may lead to him moving to second. He also has a bit of a strikeout bugaboo to work through, but he’s still just 20 on opening day of this season.

The Brewers will likely open Diaz at high-A in 2017.

Next: #7, #8

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