Mitch Nay to Blue Jays: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis

Position: 3B/OF

Height/Weight: 6’3”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

DOB: 9/20/1993

High School: Hamilton (Ariz.)

College Commitment: Arizona State

Prior to his senior season, Nay was unable to compete on the national showcase circuit due to a pair of unpredictable injuries. A right-handed hitter, Nay required surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left wrist and also missed significant time recovering from a strained lower back. However, neither injury caused any lingering effects as Nay was able to turn in a beastly senior season.

At the dish, Nay already possesses effortless power to all fields thanks to plus bat speed, quick wrists, and a lofty stroke. The exit velocity off his bat makes scouts drool, and he’s already demonstrated a knack for barreling up the baseball.

Nay’s hit tool is a different story. As with most prep mashers, his natural swing and bat path is best suited for a strict power hitter, not a player satisfied with lining knocks from line to line. Nay is highly aware of his robust power, too, even opening his stance on occasion in order to put an extra charge into an inside offering.

At the hot corner, his defensive actions are raw and at times choppy, and will need to be ironed out in either the minor leagues or at Arizona State.

Nay compensates for most of his awkwardness at third base by utilizing his plus arm, throwing seeds across the diamond with impressive accuracy. If his defense at the position doesn’t cut it at the next level, there’s a chance that Nay winds up in right field where his arm, power and average speed are a nice fit.

In my opinion, Nay’s overall game is similar to that of Will Middlebrooks of the Boston Red Sox. Not only do they share a similar set of above-average-to-plus tools, they also possess the same highly projectable frame. It’s hard to say how quickly Nay will develop, but a conservative 2016 estimated arrival seems realistic.

Analysis: Big, big power. Will need to adjust to pro pitching and prove he can hit for average, but the power is there for this new member of the Blue Jays system.