MLB Player Comp
While perhaps not a very well-known player now, around the turn of the decade 30 years ago, the Boston Red Sox had an infielder that reminds me tremendously of Urias, especially on the defensive side of things.
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Jody Reed was drafted four times before finally signing with the Boston Red Sox (back when the draft had a January and June selection). He was a college bat, but he still took 3 seasons to get to the big leagues. Once there, however, Reed put up a stat line that is very similar to what could be expected from Urias.
Before injuries slowed him down after the 1991 season, Reed had put up a .288/.368/.386 line, averaging 44 doubles per 162 games and with more walks than strikeouts, playing primarily second base, but also able to handle short when needed.
Future Role
Urias should slot in the middle of the infield on Opening Day 2019 and near the top of the lineup. He has a prototype #2 hitter profile in “old school” baseball, with good on-base skills and gap power.
Whether he’ll play short or second in 2019 depends on what the San Diego Padres bring in, most likely. He could handle either position well defensively, so it does give the team some flexibility. He should move over to second once top prospect Fernando Tatis, Jr. comes up to the big leagues, though.
While Urias may have the profile of many “hustle” players, he has much more raw talent than that, and he should have a long career for the San Diego Padres.