Baltimore Orioles scouting report on OF Ryan McKenna
MLB Player Comp
Though they swing from different sides of the plate, there is a lot of Shane Victorino in McKenna, even though McKenna’s stolen base skills are not quite to the level that Victorino’s were with the Phillies. The swings are very similar, as is the lack of pre-swing movement or leg kick or anything of the sort.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
One of the things always attributed to Victorino was his excellent ability to run the bases, with double-digit triples three seasons in a row. McKenna has that same ability to run well once he’s on the basepaths and on the move, and if the Orioles were going to get a guy who hit .275/.340/.425 for them with 10-15 home runs, 30 doubles, and 8-10 triples for a number of seasons from the top of the order, they’d be overjoyed.
Future Role
The Victorino comp is an apt one for McKenna. If he’s not able to play full-time in the outfield and work at the top of the lineup, he’ll be a very quality platoon guy or 4th outfielder. He could use some more time to build up his ability to tap into his power more fully and be a true 10-15 home run threat along with developing his stolen base reads.
Right now, with guys stuck into outfield spots for power purposes that are negative defenders, having a quality glove that can set up the lineup the way McKenna should be able to do would be something vital for the Baltimore Orioles.
Next. Orioles top 10 prospects for 2019. dark
The Baltimore Orioles haven’t had a quality leadoff guy in some time, really since Brian Roberts was at his best. If McKenna can be that guy, it would be a huge asset for the Orioles.