6. Ryan Mountcastle
Minors (AAA): .312/.344/.527, 35 doubles, 25 homers, two steals
There is no question that Ryan Mountcastle has a major league caliber bat. The question is where does he play?
The 36th overall selection in the 2015 MLB Draft, Mountcastle has routinely been considered one of the Orioles top prospects. he was a consensus top 100 prospect in each of the past two seasons, with his offense proving those rankings to be correct. In fact, that bat is ready to play in the majors now.
Scouts were enamored with his swing during the draft process, and it is easy to see why. Mountcastle has excellent bat speed and quick hands, able to maintain extension no matter where the ball is pitched. He does strike out more than one would like, but Mountcastle has the potential to be a perennial 30 home run hitter at the major league level.
The question is – where does he play? Mountcastle was originally a shortstop when drafted, although there were zero expectations that he would play there. He moved to third, then was sent to first base. Mountcastle even saw time in left this season, as the Orioles are trying to find a spot where his mediocre, at best, defensive ability will not be a hindrance.
Ryan Mountcastle will make a difference in the Baltimore Orioles lineup. But where will he play?