MLB Prospects: Top 10 Power-Hitting Shortstop Prospects

With Prospect Pipeline's Top 50 now in place, it's time to take a deeper look at these prospects from a positional standpoint. 

As I continue to put together prospect scouting reports for every organization, I'll also be ranking prospects by both position and tools.

Today, we take a look at the Top 10 power hitting shortstop prospects in all of baseball. The idea was proposed to me by Bleacher Report's Stephen Meyer, and it was surprisingly enjoyable to compose—perhaps even too enjoyable. These shortstops aren't necessarily the best at their position; they are ranked by their ultimate power potential.

Some of the shortstops on this list are obligatory inclusions because, well, they really do have the best power. However, there are also several players who barely rank on their organization's depth charts.  Regardless, they all have raw, projectable pop in their bat.

10. Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians

Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs. 

DOB: 11/14/1993            

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Monteverde Academy, Fla.)

2011 Stats

Low-A: .316/.350/.316 (20 PA)

Overview: One of the most promising young shortstops in the game, Lindor is already on the fast track to the major leagues. A switch-hitter, Lindor’s offensive value will come from his ability to hit for a solid average and get on-base at a decent clip. He has enough pop to produce 20-plus doubles, and I think he might be able to hit 10-15 home runs in his best season—he’s a smart player who makes immediate, in-game adjustments, and there's something to be said about that.

9. Tyler Saladino, Chicago White Sox

Height/Weight: 5'11", 180

DOB: 7/20/1989            

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, seventh round (Oral Roberts)

2011 Stats

Low-A: .270/.363/.501, .232 ISO, 51 XBH (464 PA)

Overview: Saladino enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2011, as he smashed 51 extra-base hits—including 26 doubles and 16 home runs—and posted an .854 OPS. He’s the type of hitter who doesn’t really hit home runs; rather, Saladino hits doubles that just happen to clear the fence. He uses the whole field and consistently barrels up the ball thanks a fluid, line-drive swing. He demonstrates a knowledge of the strike zone and isn’t afraid to draw a walk—both traits that make his power projectable.

8. Ronnie Rodriguez, Cleveland Indians

Height/Weight: 6’0"/170

DOB: 4/17/1992 

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, Dominican Republic

2011 Stats

Single-A: .246/.274/.449, .203 ISO, 46 XBH (394 PA)

Overview: Rodriguez isn’t afraid to swing out of his shoes, which can be attributed to lack of experience. His bat speed and lofty swing produced 46 extra-base hits in 2011, but also led to 83 strikeouts in 370 at-bats. Both his hit and power tool will ultimately depend on his plate discipline, which should improve as he gains experience. His pitch recognition will need to improve because I don’t think the Indians have room for another power bat that posts a sub-.300 OBP. 

Regardless, he’s got the raw bat speed and quick wrists that will continue to project.

7. Justin Martinson, Washington Nationals

Height/Weight: 6'1", 190

DOB: 10/15/1988           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, fifth round (Texas State)

2011 Stats

Single-A: .252/.360/.448, .196 ISO, 44 XBH (522 PA)

Overview: Martinson is an extremely raw hitter whose baseball skills lag well behind his athleticism. He’s a free swinger with plus power to all fields, but struggles to hit off a firm front side and explode through the ball. He smacked 19 home runs last season at Low-A Hagerstown, so there’s already a foundation in place. Now it’s just a matter of compacting his bat path and improving his contact rate—both are things that commonly improve (at least somewhat) with experience. If Martinson starts putting things together, look out.

6. Nick Franklin, Seattle Mariners

Height/Weight: 6'1", 180

DOB: 3/2/1991           

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, first round (HS: Altamonte Spring, Fla.)

2011 Stats

High-A: .275/.356/.411, .136 ISO, 20 XBH (297 PA)

Double-A: .325/.371/.482, .157 ISO,  9 XBH (92 PA)

Overview: Franklin had an excellent first full pro season in 2010, as he led the Midwest League in home runs (23) and set a new Low-A Clinton record. A switch-hitter, he definitely has more pop from the left side, including exceptional power to the opposite field. Had it not been for a down year in 2011 due to bizarre injuries and illness, Franklin would have ranked comfortably within the Top 50. 

He’s an aggressive hitter with plus bat speed, which naturally means he’ll be prone to striking out. He has loose wrists and direct bat path and knows how to maximize his power. If the Arizona Fall League was an indication of what’s to come, Franklin might be in for a monster offensive season.

5. Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds

Height/Weight: 6'0", 195

DOB: 8/12/1985           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2007, second round (Mississippi)

2011 Stats

Triple-A: .310/.357/.467, .158 ISO, 35 XBH  (350 PA)

MLB: .324/.324/.486, .162 ISO, 2 XBH  (38 PA)

Overview: Cozart will hit for more power than everyone expects, as he’s shown increased production at every minor league level. While he’s not a constant power threat, he has enough pop in his bat to amass 25 doubles/15 home runs annually. He can get pull-happy at times, which will pad his power totals but hurt his overall average. He’s a streaky hitter who, when hot, seems to be constantly splitting gaps and going yard.

4. Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers

Height/Weight: 5'11", 165

DOB: 2/20/1993           

Bats/Throws: S/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, Curacao

2011 Stats

Single-A: .286/.390/.493, 23 SB, .207 ISO, 57 XBH (516 PA)

Overview: There’s a whole lot to like about the 19-year-old Profar, who is the unanimous top infield prospect in all of baseball. He possesses an above-average bat from both sides of the plate that’s highlighted by an advanced knowledge of the strike zone. He has surprising strength for his size that, when bundled with his quick wrists, could yield 15-25 home run potential. Profar's speed gives him the potential to hit 30-plus doubles, and once he fills out, he should have some easy power.

3. Javier Baez, Chicago Cubs

Height/Weight: 6'0", 180

DOB: 12/1/1992            

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2011, first round (Arlington Country Day School, FL)

2011 Stats

Rookie: .333/.333/.500, 2 SB, .167 ISO, 135 wRC+ (12 PA)

Low-A: .167/.167/.167 (6 PA)

Overview: The ninth-overall pick in the 2011 draft, Baez has insane raw bat speed with the potential for plus power by the time he reaches the major leagues. Simply put: Baez swings as hard as humanly possible—every time. But that’s also what makes him such a promising hitter. He'll have to tone it down and get a feel for the strike zone, but taking monster hacks will also be part of his game.

2. Xander Bogaerts, Boston Red Sox

Height/Weight: 6'3", 175

DOB: 10/1/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2009, Aruba

2011 Stats

Single-A: .260/.324/.509, .249 ISO, 32 XBH (296 PA)

Overview: Bogaerts put his name on the map with a .314/.396/.423 professional debut in 2010 and followed it by blasting 16 home runs in 72 games in 2011. Only 19 years old, his smooth swing and plus power allow him to drive the ball to all fields with backspin carry. As he faces more advanced pitching, however, he’ll be forced to become more selective, especially with quality off-speed pitches.

1. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Height/Weight: 6'3", 185

DOB: 7/6/1992           

Bats/Throws: R/R

Drafted/Signed: 2010, first round (Brito HS, FL)

2011 Stats

Single-A: .276/.376/.483, .207 ISO, 16 XBH (170 PA)

High-A: .245/.308/.313, .139 ISO, 20 XBH (260 PA)

Overview: Machado was impressive in his first full professional season despite suffering a dislocated kneecap and subsequently missing a month. His 6'3", 185-pound frame is extremely projectable, and his swing has been cleaned up considerably since he was drafted. 

His raw bat speed suggests a potential for plus power, and he has already shown an impressive feel for the strike zone. When he squares it up, Machado gets excellent extension through the ball and continues to add backspin to all fields. The power is already there, but this could be the season where it truly emerges.