Donovan Casey: Los Angeles Dodgers
It is difficult to extrapolate the performance from the low minors and imagine that a player will become a star. But when someone posts a batting average above .400, as Donovan Casey did this past season, it deserves notice.
The Los Angeles Dodgers 20th round selection, Casey made an immediate impact. Assigned to the Arizona League, it took Casey all of five games to be promoted. He then finished out the season with the Ogden Raptors of the Pioneer League, where he continued to hit at an impressive rate.
Overall, the outfielder posted a .403/.453/.604 batting line, producing the best batting average in the minors. He was far more than a singles hitter, with seven homers and six doubles. Casey even chipped in six steals, giving hope that he could eventually develop into a solid all around player for the Dodgers.
Casey is also expected to add some strength to his frame as he gets older. A toolsy player, he could well become a solid hitter with a decent amount of pop and speed, although the latter could fall off as he bulks up. Given his solid eye at the plate, as he drew 12 walks against 21 strikeouts in 170 plate appearances, Casey could continue to put up some enticing numbers in the minors.
Donovan Casey still has a long way to go before reaching the majors, but any time a player hits over .400 for an entire season, it will draw attention. The 20th round draft choice will be a player to watch in 2018.