10. Tyler Wade, New York Yankees
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 11/23/1994 (23)
2018 level: MLB New York Yankees
Info: Initially drafted out of high school in the 4th round in 2014, many liked Wade’s bat to ball skills and his plus to double-plus speed (plus raw speed with incredible instincts that allow it to play up even further). He moved quickly through the Yankees system and seemed on the cusp of becoming one of the overall MLB top prospects before the Yankees made a number of acquisitions that blocked his path to a future starting role with the team.
Wade has played around the infield, but his best defensive position is at second base
Wade has played around the infield, but his best defensive position is at second base. As he’s developed, he’s added strength, which allows his bat to ball skills to play up even further as he’s able to spray line drives to the gaps with authority and yank a few balls over the fence, though he’s likely going to max out at a 10-15 home run bat.
Wade has worked around the field to build his utility for the Yankees bench, but his excellent hands have been a standout at second base, and he has handled the exchange on double plays very well.
With the trade of Starlin Castro this offseason, even with bringing in Neil Walker, Wade will get some looks at second for the Yankees, and his speed and contact skills could allow him to push through as a starter, at least until Torres is ready at the big league level.
9. Max Schrock, St. Louis Cardinals
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 10/12/1994 (23)
2018 level: AAA Memphis Redbirds
Info: One of those guys with a prototypical college second baseman build at 5’8″ and 175-190 pounds, Schrock was a 13th round selection of the Washington Nationals in the 2015 draft. He’s now been traded twice in his short career.
He’s certainly not been moved due to any lack of production. Schrock is a career .326 hitter with a good batting eye and an .813 OPS. He’s not a guy with tremendous over-the-fence power, but he hits consistent line drives throughout the field and has excellent coverage throughout the strike zone.
While Schrock is no slouch at the position, he’s not ever going to be a Gold Glove defender at second base, so if he’s making it to the major leagues, it’s on the strength of his bat. He has exceptional instincts that allow him to position himself well and snag a few stolen bases in spite of being an average runner.
Interestingly, Schrock is seemingly in the perfect organization for his skillset as he is the type that the Cardinals seem to be able to maximize.
Next: #7 and #8