The second baseman from Alabama has turned some heads this season. Peyton Wilson started off as a catcher but has proven himself to be valuable in the field no matter where he plays. Let’s take a look at the tools the 21-year-old brings to the draft.
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Peyton Wilson 2B/C/CF, Alabama
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 180 lbs.
Age: 21
Bats: Both
Throws: Right
2020: 12 G – .333/.417/.433, 1 SB
2021: 55 G – .301/.360/.479, 9 HRs, 10 SBs
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 45
Run: 65
Arm: 60
Field: 60
Overall: 50
Wilson has some sports in his genes as his older brothers played at Alabama. John was a standout quarterback and Ross was drafted in the 10th round by the Chicago White Sox in 2010. Peyton has the overall skills to get selected well ahead of his brother Ross. Where that is, depends on how teams view him at the major league level.
Strengths
Wilson is an excellent defender regardless of where he is on the diamond. He played catcher, centerfield, and second base in his short couple of years for the Tide. He has solid hands along with an above-average arm. Wilson has smooth movements in the field and he can make any throw with strength and accuracy. Speed is another part of his game that serves him well, especially in the outfield. He can track balls in the gaps and can make up for a misjudged ball here and there. His arm also plays at the corner outfield spots should he need to fill in there.
At the plate, Wilson’s size is deceiving. He hits the ball hard and has a knack for barreling up pitches. He is aggressive in his swing now but it has allowed him to tap into some of his power. While he is still likely a gap-to-gap hitter at the upper levels, there is still a little pop in the bat.
Weaknesses
The bat I just talked about has a little work to do. Wilson’s aggressiveness could turn into a swing-and-miss approach easily as he hits pro ball. Scouts worry that he won’t hit enough to stay in a major league lineup. I think his issues can be corrected. While he may not blast more than 10 homers a year, the Alabama product could produce a solid average, especially with better plate discipline.
Pro Comparison: Tommy Edman
The St. Louis Cardinals’ second baseman has already played 14 games in right field and four games at shortstop this year. They are of similar size and Edman was a sixth-round draft pick back in 2016 out of Stanford. Wilson is a similar player with better speed and possibly better hit tools. If the Tide’s second baseman can play in the majors to Edman’s level, I’m sure he will take it. The bat may take a few years to progress, but Wilson has the work ethic coaches rave about. He will most likely be drafted earlier.
Draft Projection: Round 3, Pick 78, Kansas City Royals
The Royals love their athletic kids. After drafting Sal Frelick in the first round, KC goes back to a kid that may remind them a bit of Whit Merrifield. If they can get his hitting right, this could be a steal and the Royals will be running all over the place in the next few years.
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Main Image Credit: https://rolltide.com/sports/baseball/roster/peyton-wilson/6861
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