The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Trey Sweeney, a second or third-round shortstop that could be rising in the draft.
Trey Sweeney, Shortstop, Eastern Illinois
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 200 lbs
Age: 21
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
2019: .271/.342/.354
2020: .351/.439/.456
2021: .382/.552/.712
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 35
Field: 40
Throw: 55
Sweeney was a dominant force for Eastern Illinois, posting a batting average over .350 in his sophomore and junior seasons. As a junior, Sweeney was named First Team All-American by Baseball America and was the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the best college shortstop each year.
Strengths
Sweeney is a talented batter. Although his swing has a hitch, his coordination makes up for it. Additionally, he has a good eye, and strikeouts are not an issue for him. Sweeney can connect the barrel to the ball well and drive it. He struggles to create loft with his swing at times but he hit 14 home runs in his junior season. Sweeney has a strong arm and good hands as well.
Weaknesses
Sweeney struggles in the field. Although he has a strong arm, he lacks speed which makes shortstop a poor fit. A move to third base or even left field could be beneficial. thanks to his arm strength. Regardless of his struggles to drive the ball with loft, he has the power to hit 15-plus home runs in the major leagues.
Pro Comparison: Corey Seager
It is unlikely that Sweeney becomes as talented as Seager, but their skill sets are similar. Coming out of college, much like Sweeney, many scouts believed Seager should make the move to third base. Although he has not, his lack of talent in the field at shortstop has shown. Seager hits plenty of doubles at the plate and has hit more than 15 homers every year that he has had more than 200 plate appearances. Sweeney also strikes out at a far lesser clip than the Dodgers’ shortstop.
Draft Projection: Round 2, Pick 61, Minnesota Twins
The Twins do not have a third baseman in the top 20 of their prospect pool. If Sweeney ultimately makes a move in the field, Minnesota would be a good fit. With Josh Donaldson being 35 years old, Sweeney can develop in the minors for a few seasons, then step in at third base when needed
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Main Image Credit: via Lone Star Ball
