3. Travis Swaggerty
Minors (A+): 524 plate appearances, .265/.347/.381, nine homers, 20 doubles, 23 steals, 57 walks, 116 strikeouts
Despite being drafted with the tenth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Travis Swaggerty took a giant step forward as a prospect last year.
He had been overlooked in high school, barely recruited by colleges and was undrafted in the MLB Draft. He then went to the University of South Alabama, and used a breakout sophomore year to jump on the prospect map. A strong showing with Team USA and a solid, albeit inconsistent junior year led to the Pirates taking the leap with the tenth pick.
One can see why the Pirates were intrigued enough to make that selection. He has the potential to be a solid all around player, albeit without a particularly standout tool. While he can be overly aggressive at the plate at times, Swaggerty does have the patience to work a count and draw a walk. There is some raw power in his swing, although he is more of a double hitter than a home run threat. With his speed, he should be able to stick in center, and be a threat on the basepaths.
Based on his profile, Swaggerty should be a solid all around player at the major league level, capable of sticking in center for the long term. He may not be a future All Star, but he is the type of player that every team needs; one that does the little things needed to help a team win.
Travis Swaggerty may end up as a future fan favorite with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has all the makings of a solid major leaguer.