C Adley Rutschman, Oregon State
6'2" 215 lbs, S/R, born 2/6/1998
If you're at all familiar with the prospects of the 2019 Draft, you certainly know all about Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman. If you're late to the game, it's time to get caught up; Adley Rutschman is the best prospect in this draft and is a near-lock to go first overall to the Baltimore Orioles when the draft rolls around on June 3rd. So, who is he?
Adley Rutschman, from the southwestern Portland suburb of Sherwood, has been the Oregon State Beavers' starting catcher for three years. The switch-hitter slashed just .234/.322/.306 as a freshman in 2017, but the coaching staff liked what they saw and he broke out in a big way. In 2018, as a sophomore, Rutschman slashed .408/.505/.628 with nine home runs and an excellent 40/53 strikeout to walk ratio, setting himself up as an early favorite for the 2019 Draft. Then, in 2019, he got even better; through May 2nd, the junior is slashing .429/.576/.800 with 14 home runs and a ridiculous 28/54 strikeout to walk ratio, showing literally no holes in his game. He has power, he gets to it consistently, he knows the strike zone inside and out, and it all adds up to a complete offensive package.
However, it's not just his bat that makes him special. Rutschman is considered a fearless leader behind the plate, where he blocks everything and uses his strong arm to cut off the opposition's running game. Catchers are almost always bat-first or glove-first, but Rutschman is the rare find that has both an impact bat and no risk of being forced to move out from behind the plate. Even Joey Bart, the second overall pick to the Giants in 2018, had some swing and miss concerns, and while Rutschman doesn't have quite the same light tower power, he is easily the better prospect heading into his respective draft. Throw in his reportedly excellent work ethic, and he in all likelihood will be the first overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft.
Ultimate projection: middle of the order bat with good defense behind the plate, true MVP potential
Likely draft range: would be surprising if he falls past the Orioles at first overall
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