phillipmike
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- Oct 27, 2009
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MLB's Top 10 second-base prospects for 2019
The Top 10 (ETA)
1. Keston Hiura, Brewers (2019)
2. Luis Urias, Padres (2019)
3. Nick Madrigal, White Sox (2020)
4. Vidal Brujan, Rays (2020)
5. Garrett Hampson, Rockies (2019)
6. Jeter Downs, Dodgers (2021)
7. Brandon Lowe, Rays (2019)
8. Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (2019)
9. Jahmai Jones, Angels (2020)
10. Isan Diaz, Marlins (2019)
Complete list »
8. Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (2019)
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 45 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
The son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio turned down the Phillies as a 29th-round pick out of high school to honor his commitment to Notre Dame. After improving in three straight seasons with the Fighting Irish, he received a $300,000 signing bonus as the Blue Jays' fifth-round pick in 2016. Biggio would establish himself as a legitimate prospect two years later, garnering both Rookie of the Year and MVP Award honors in the Double-A Eastern League after he led the circuit in home runs (26), slugging (.499) and OPS (.887) and ranked second in RBIs (99). He also stole 20 bases, making him one of six Minor Leaguers to total at least 20 homers and 20 steals in 2018.
Biggio's offensive game is built around his plus plate discipline and approach, as he's long showed a knack for drawing walks -- his 100 walks ranked third in the Minors -- and getting on base at a high clip. In 2018, however, he lowered his hands and began to hit the ball in the air more consistently, enabling him to tap into his above-average raw power, albeit at the expense of a higher strikeout rate and a more pull-heavy approach. He is a fringy runner who is smart on the basepaths and picks his spots to steal.
That Biggio's primary position is second base adds even more value to his offensive profile. He's a solid if unspectacular defender there, making up for modest range with sure-handedness, sound footwork and good instincts. The Blue Jays have steadily increased Biggio's versatility, offering him reps at both infield corners to go along with his usual work at the keystone, and he added the outfield to his resume in the Arizona Fall League. At the least, Biggio appears bound for a utility role in the big leagues