The Prospect Journal: Corey Seager

Corey Seager is a 21 year old shortstop in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was the 18th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and is the younger brother of current Seattle Mariners' third baseman, Kyle Seager.

Seager is different than the other players I will feature on this journal because he actually got some big league experience at the tail end of the 2015 season, in which he hit .337, with 4HR's and 17 RBI's.

To someone who has a baseball eye, it's really hard not to compare him to current Toronto Blue Jays SS, Troy Tulowitski, at the plate and in the field. Seager is the #1 prospect in baseball, which is primarily why he's included on this list. However, he isn't only the top prospect, he's a guy who has shown that he can be an impact player at the major league level. And that is why you all need to know about him before the season starts.

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Grades and Analysis: Current/Future

Hitting: 65/70

In 2015, Corey Seager hit .278 with AAA OKC with 124 H in 421 AB's. He hit 13 HR's and drove in 61 RBI's. With AA Tulsa in the same season, Seager hit .375 in 80 AB's with 5 HR's and 15 RBI's. He got called up to the majors on September 3, 2015 and in 98 AB's, Seager hit .337 with 4 HR's and 17 RBI's, showing that he's Major League-ready.

At the plate, Seager features a wide base and an open stance. He is a selectively aggressive hitter and shows great hands and discipline at the plate. His bat speed is elite, which allows him to turn on the inside FB easily. To put it simply, Seager's swing is the love child of Troy Tulowitzki and Lance Berkman's swing. Seager and Tulo both posses extraordinary bat speed, which allow them both to get a little long at times, but not too often. Also, in comparison to Berkman, Seager has the same beautiful sweeping left handed swing that Berkman was so famous for during his career.

Even with the advanced physical skills, his greatest asset at the plate is his baseball instincts. Normally, pitchers try their best to outsmart hitters with their arsenal of pitches, but with Seager, its the other way around. He hits with his head (figuratively, of course). Scouts have said that he has one of the most mature hitting approaches they've ever seen in the Minor Leagues. Usually, that's when its time be be called up.

Power: 60/65

One scout has said, "Seager gets bigger everytime I see him." That's a great thing from a power standpoint. While he does already maintain a high power grade, it probably isn't the highest it will be in his career.

Seager's power comes from many different aspects of his swing and his approach. His swing creates a natural loft that generates plenty of backpsin. His bat speed creates high exit velocities off the bat, and he is a mature hitter with a feel of which pitches to drive and which pitches to let go. He is well above average strength for a Major League SS and once his 6'4 frame fills out, he will add some power to an already strong grade.

As far as power potential, I think only Carlos Correa has more potential among young shortstops in the league.

Run: 45/45

Corey Seager isn't a fast guy, but he moves well for his size. He's got decent feet, but doesn't display the speed and agility of an elite defensive major league shortstop.

On the basepaths he is a smart, instinctive runner, which plays his speed grading up a bit. He will be able to be an effective base stealer early in his career off of pitchers who might be slow to the plate or have am obvious move, but he will never be a 20 SB-a-year type of guy.

Arm: 60/65

Seager displays a plus arm at shortstop and third base. He has a quick release with plus carry on his throw. He can throw the ball across the diamond from many different arm angles, making him a dynamic shortstop. His arm strength will increase with his overall physical strength, which has a high cieling with his 6'4 frame. Additionally, he projects to have a strong enough arm to play outfield as well, if that situation arises later in his career.

Field: 50/50

This is where Seager becomes interesting as a prospect. Right now, he is a slightly above average defensive shortstop. He makes all the routine plays and has good hands with a plus arm. But his 6'4 frame causes a lack of lateral quickness and a slow "first step." He isn't rangy, which forces him to backhand a lot of balls and throw across his body (which is where his strong arm comes into play).

Thay beaing said, Seager is probably good enough to stay at shortstop... for now. It is the most valuable position on the field outside of the pitcher from a prospect standpoint. But, if the Dodgers were to move him to 3B sometime in the future, he has a chance to become a plus-plus defender. He has great reactions and a strong enough arm to play the hot-corner, but his value will go down significantly if he makes the switch. Personally, I do like Seager at shortstop. They should give him the shot to stay there at least.

Overall Grade: 70

Typically, there are two types of top prospects in the MLB: 1. Guys who are expected to be elite but haven't had big league experience yet and are ranked solely on potential (Byron Buxton). and 2. Guys who we know are going to be good and have shown it for short stints in the majors and its only a metter of time until they're an All Star. Corey Seager fits the second description. Hitting .337 in 98 major league AB's proves that. Seager is absolutely the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. It's his award to lose and you should make a point to watch him play sometime this year.

One of the better Seager highlight videos: