Nick Madrigal Scouting Report: In Review
Nick Madrigal is a top prospect in the White Sox organization, who they drafted in 2018 out of Oregon State. Out of college, some saw him as a SS though in my report I projected him as an MLB 2B. He’s currently in AAA and could have an impact in Chicago as early as September but more likely will compete for a spot in Spring Training in 2020.
Here’s my report on him from before the 2018 MLB Draft:
Hit: 60
Great mechanics and plus bat speed allow him to get the most out of his small frame. He’s got a line drive approach and covers the whole zone which is backed up by his consistent track record in college. Shouldn’t take long for offense to develop.
Power: 40
At 5’7” there’s not gonna be much power to tap into, but I could see this becoming a 50 grade. His mechanics are there and the bat speed could allow his size to play up. He’ll max out at 20 a year.
Run: 60
Plus runner, probably not a huge threat to steal but he’ll take the extra base and put some pressure on outfielders.
Glove: 60
At shortstop he’s fringe average, but his quickness will play up at 2B where he’ll likely stick in the pros. Could win a few golden gloves here but if not he’s a solid defender at an up the middle position.
Arm: 50
This is the tool that holds him back from playing SS full time. It’s solid but unspectacular. He’s accurate and quick so it will play up at 2B and hold its own at SS if needed.
FV: 60
Comparison: Jose Altuve w/ less power
He’s got arguably the best hit tool in the draft and if he can tap into a little more power we’re talking about a .290 hitter with gold glove defense at an up the middle position. The injury history shouldn’t be a worry and after 3 years in college you know what you’re getting. He’s a high floor guy with potential to increase his ceiling. Should be in the conversation at #1.
The Review:
So far my report from before the draft has been pretty spot on, though I may have over projected his power production. Drafted in 2018, Madrigal slashed .303/.353/.348 that summer across 3 levels (Rookie, A, and A+). So far in 2019, it’s been more of the same, as he’s slashed .301/.366/.404 across A+, AA, and AAA.
Madrigal can clearly swing the bat but, he could afford to walk a little more and maybe add some loft to his swing though I doubt home runs will ever be a big part of his game, since he has 3 in 584 minor league PAs.
As for the future, Madrigal is not going to be Jose Altuve but being a player like Jeff McNeil is probably a pretty good expectation. He’ll be a nice piece to add to the big league club in 2020 as the White Sox look to return to contention.
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