Scouting Report: Trevor Story

Background
The trade of Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki may have opened the door for a young prospect infielder like Trevor Story. Maybe not as a starter, but perhaps as a utility player if the infield roster features new faces next season.

The incumbent shortstop is now Jose Reyes, but Reyes has expressed a desire to play on a championship team. The Rockies may listen to overtures to lure Reyes from Colorado.

The Rockies selected Story out of Irving (Texas) High School as a supplemental first-round pick in the 2011 Draft after he hit over .400 in his senior year.

Story is a well-proportioned, 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. A right-handed hitter, Story is skilled both offensively and defensively. He is capable of playing shortstop, second base and third base, and his versatility makes him an attractive player.

Story is No. 11 on the Rockies Top 30 Prospects list.

Hitting
I scouted Story in the 2014 Arizona Fall League and came away very impressed with his hustle, his energy and his game presence. In short, he gets his uniform dirty and gives maximum effort.

Last autumn, he hit .256 playing for Salt River in the AFL, but it wasn't his batting average that impressed scouts. He showed he had the tools to play baseball at the highest level.

This year was his best regarding power hitting. He hit 20 home runs combined at Double-A New Britain (10) and Triple-A Albuquerque (10). He also knocked in 80 runs, by far the most in his career and his power should continue to develop.

This season, Story improved greatly against right-handed pitching. Success against righties had been an issue for him before this year.

Still a streaky hitter, Story struggles to make contact at times. But he has the type of outstanding bat speed that allows him to hit pitches to all fields and is especially sound when a pitcher makes a mistake.

Defense
Story can make all the plays in the infield. His range is good due to his quick feet and good reactions. Getting to the ball quickly allows him to set his feet and get off consistently strong, accurate throws.

Strengths
Story is the type of player that has an average skill set without any outstanding or more advanced tools. When he keeps within his abilities and recognizes pitches, he succeeds. Story is a work in progress.

Story runs well. He can steal double-digit bases by using good technique and wisely selecting his spots to run.

Story has a strong and accurate arm from all infield positions. As a good athlete, he could likely play outfield positions as well.

Weaknesses
Inconsistent contact has plagued Story since he began his career. If he can recognize pitches such as sliders down and away, he will improve his overall batting average.

Story has to be careful not to lengthen his swing in an overly aggressive manner. The more he presses, the longer his swing becomes. A more measured swing on a consistent basis will allow him to better take advantage of his bat speed.

I find this interesting
Story spent some time pitching in high school. He hit a very impressive 96 mph in a showcase event.

The future for Story
Story is a player on the rise. He's still only 22. It's very natural that he would have been aggressive and had some holes in his swing in his early Minor League days. Recognizing pitches quickly is not something that should be expected immediately from a young player out of high school.

Story appears to still have room to grow as a player. While he still strikes out, his power is improving. His walk rate is improving. He is maturing and developing his skills.

It is quite possible Story could assume a significant role with the Rockies as soon as the 2016 season. He has the skills to help as a starter or as a utility player capable of playing multiple positions.

Story in a word
Developing