Nick Madrigal

Madrigal was exactly as advertised in his MLB debut. He hit .340 with zero barrels and seven strikeouts (6.4 K%) in 109 PA. Those highest on Madrigal are hoping for a three-category stud, but he would need to lead off. Last year, he primarily hit ninth -- a trend that could continue this year with the addition of Adam Eaton. He can still be an elite source of batting average with 15-20 steals, but he would be a massive drag on the other three standard counting stats if he hits ninth. Most good hitters eventually grow into power, but Madrigal is an exception in more ways than one. His bat-to-ball ability is already the stuff of legend, but he rarely hits the ball hard (20.8 Hard%) or in the air (12.5 FB%). Projecting just five homers in his first full season would be aggressive, so roster construction needs to be factored in. He is recovering from October shoulder surgery and is questionable for Opening Day.

Madrigal, the No. 4 overall pick in 2018, has been exactly as advertised in pro ball, for better and for worse. His elite bat-to-ball skill has been on full display at every level (career 3.0 K%), as has plus speed (35-for-48 on SB attempts last year) and 20-grade power (four HR in 163 games). His lack of power is backed up by a 13.4 Hard%. He didn't get the benefit of the juiced ball at High-A and Double-A, but no qualified MLB hitter even logged a 20.0 Hard% last year. Sometimes players vastly outperform their power grades as prospects, but this is the rare case where that should not be seen as a potential outcome. That should be just fine, however, as Madrigal projects to hit at least .300 with 20-plus steals and 100-plus runs. As long as expectations for his peak seasons are kept in that range, he shouldn't disappoint. Look for him to take over at the keystone early this season.

It is extremely rare for right-handed hitting college second basemen to be drafted in the first round, but the White Sox believed in Madrigal's hit tool and defense enough to pop him with the No. 4 overall pick last year. He came as advertised, hitting .303 with just five strikeouts (compared to seven walks) in 173 PA across stops in the AZL, Sally League and Carolina League. That bat-to-ball ability is Willians Astudillo-esque, that is to say, almost unparalleled. However, almost 50% of his hits went to the opposite field and he failed to hit a home run -- only seven of his 47 hits went for extra bases (all doubles). While he lacks power, Madrigal is a plus runner, and given how often he will end up at first base, that speed should lead to 20-plus steals annually. He is capable of playing shortstop but should be a plus defender at second base. Madrigal will likely head to Double-A at the start of his age-22 season, and should be on the fast track to the majors.