Ryan McMahon: Prospect Profile for Colorado Rockies' 2nd-Round Pick

Player: Ryan McMahon

Drafted by: Colorado Rockies (No. 42 Overall)

Position: 3B

DOB: 12/14/1994 (Age: 18)

Height/Weight: 6’3”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/R

School: Mater Dei High School (Calif.)

Previously Drafted: N/A 

Background

As the top player on the top high school team in the country, it's surprising that McMahon doesn't get more attention. Combine that with the fact that he is also the starting quarterback for Mater Dei High, a school that churned out Matt Leinart, Colt Brennan and Matt Barkley, and it's a wonder he hasn't forsaken the diamond for the gridiron. However, it's in baseball that McMahon figures to be a star.

Well built and used to taking a beating, McMahon has flashed numerous tools throughout his prep career, including excellent defensive ability, a cannon arm, a quick bat, solid raw power and incredible leadership. In fact, it's not too often that a player like McMahon comes along, which is why he figures to be selected pretty high on draft day. Signing the USC recruit will be another matter.

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Hitting: 45/55

Bat is behind his glove right now; shows good potential and has flashes of above-average hitting ability; showed great poise bouncing back from a four-strikeout game in day one of the SoCal Boras Classic to collect eight hits in his next three contests; eventually named MVP of tournament; mental toughness should allow him to endure inevitable slumps at the plate; simple, smooth swing; should hit enough to earn his keep.

Power: 40/55

Not much present power; has shown good raw power; more of a gap hitter right now; might stay that way; shouldn't expect more than 15-20 homers annually from him; lack of power will keep him in the bottom half of the lineup.

Speed: 40/45

Average speed; might lose a step if he adds more bulk, but won't affect his baserunning ability greatly; more quick than fast, and quickness plays better in the field than on the basepaths.

Defense: 60/70

Receives rave reviews for his defensive ability; named Baseball America's Defensive Player of the Tournament at 2013 National High School Invitational; already has great footwork and it's still improving; graceful and fluid in the field; moves more like a shortstop and could probably be an average defender there; has more than enough arm strength to play hot corner; should be a Gold Glove-caliber defender; ability makes the rest of the infield look that much better; incredible instincts; takes great pride in his defensive ability and wants to be the best.

Arm: 60/65

Above-average arm strength; can make all the throws necessary and even those that aren't; arm strength will allow him to perform at a high level even after he loses a step later in his career.

MLB Player Comparison: Matt Dominguez

Projection: Gold Glove third baseman; .265/15 HR hitter; occasional All-Star.

MLB ETA: 2019

Chances of Signing: 55%

While McMahon might actually benefit from time in college, his above-average defensive ability will have teams fighting over him. Team that drafts him will have to pony up a high six-figure bonus to keep him from heading to USC.