With the 2018 Draft fast approaching (June 4-6 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
:: 2018 Draft coverage ::
Name: Nick Madrigal
Position: 2B
School: Oregon State
Rank on Draft Top 200: 3
DOB: 03/15/1997
Bats: R
Throws: R
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 160
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 65 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats: Games played: 26
Batting average: .435
At-bats: 108
Runs: 28
Hits: 47
RBI: 27
HR: 2
Scouting report: Detractors will immediately point to Madrigal's size, however his track record and ability to hit are undeniable. Madrigal is only 5-foot-7 and doesn't play a premium position, but he's done nothing but rake since arriving at Oregon State. The infielder hit .333 as a a freshman, .380 as a sophomore and .435 as a junior.
Madrigal doesn't have a ton of power -- he's hit only seven homers over the past three seasons -- but he's got a solid approach at the plate and has drawn 53 walks compared to just 34 strikeouts over his collegiate career (135 games).
Defensively, Madrigal has spent his collegiate career at second and although some scouts feel he could handle shortstop, he also has Gold Glove potential at second base.
MLB comp:Ozzie Albies
Fun fact: Madrigal enjoys fishing and playing ping pong.
They said it: "Sometimes at times when you get high, high-ceiling guys or high-profile guys, sometimes you have to motivate them or look after them. Not this guy. Zero maintenance. Great human being, good student. He'll be in the big leagues in 1 1/2 or 2 years. I get it, you've got to develop. But put him in a big league uniform, and he can play." -- Pat Casey, Oregon State head coach