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Physical Description: Smaller,
athletic frame. Skinny and needs to add strength. Likely will
always be on the thin side as his frame does not look like it
can support much added size.
Hit: Starts
square and in a crouch with his hands low. Simple swing
mechanics and short, compact swing. Contact-oriented approach
with strong bat-to-ball skills. Tends to slap at the ball and
makes a lot of contact on the ground. Rarely swings and misses.
Advanced approach and pitch recognition. Sees a lot of pitches
and will take what the pitcher gives him. High walk rate in the
low minors, but it will be interesting to see if that holds as
he moves up and pitchers challenge him more. Needs to hit the
ball harder, as right now he primarily finds gaps with weaker
contact. Potential above-average hit tool with added strength.
Power: Not a major part of his game. Swing
is not designed for power, but rather for contact on the ground
or line drives into the gaps. In batting practice, will
occasionally elevate to the pull side. Well-below-average raw
power at best and game power is below that.
Run:
Fringe-average speed. Solid baserunning instincts, but not a
major stolen base threat.
Field: Smooth,
fluid actions. Solid range and instincts and has a reliable
glove. Comfortable charging or ranging in either direction. Has
the actions and range for either middle infield position, but
lack of arm strength will likely push him to second base. Began
to see time in the outfield midway through the 2025
season.
Potential average defender at second base.
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Arm: Below-average arm strength. Accurate arm.
Lacks arm strength for shortstop and even on the light side for
second base, but passable there.
Career Notes:
Tore his ACL 12 games into the 2023 season and missed the rest
of the year. Was named to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team
and the Horizon League All-Tournament Team in 2022. Had a
setback during his rehab after signing and as a result, did not
make his pro debut until beginning a rehab assignment in July
2024, almost a year after he signed.
Summation:
Potential emergency up-and-down middle infielder. Ceiling of a
contact-oriented utility infielder. Strong approach and contact
skills, but lack of impact limits upside. Needs to get stronger
and get his exit velocities to even fringe-average to reach his
potential. Lack of impact will be more noticeable as he moves up
the ladder. High baseball IQ. Lack of arm strength could limit
him to second base, but value would increase if he can stick at
shortstop.
Links
Sox select Justin Riemer with 2nd compensation pick (7.10.23) |
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