One of the top second-base prospects in the 2021 MLB amateur draft, Tyler Black was born in Toronto and was a talented defenseman on the ice. He has since traded one stick for another and has absolutely raked in college at Wright State. Let’s take a look at the 20-year-old left-handed hitter.
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Tyler Black, 2B/3B, Wright State
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
2019: 52 G – .353/.469/.600, 7 HRs, 8 SBs
2020: 13 G – .239/.340/.370, 1 HR
2021: 39 G – .387/.500/.650, 8 HRs, 9 SBs
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 50
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 50
Tyler Black is the son of Canadian sports broadcaster Rod Black. Since he has turned his attention to baseball, Tyler has established himself as a top college bat over the past three years. The Horizon League freshman of the year in 2019 started off slowly in 2020 and then the season was shut down. He came back with a vengeance this year and could be a top-100 pick. Highlights of Black hitting are at 0:51.
Strengths
It all starts with his bat. Black has a discerning eye at the plate and has walked at an amazing 16.9 percent clip while only striking out 10.7 percent of the time. When he does hit the ball, it jumps off his bat to all fields. Black has a solid frame and his legs are strong. He complements that with a pronounced leg kick and brings his lower body in well when he sees a pitch he likes. Some scouts see a 15-HR player, but with his leg drive and loft on balls he pulls, I could see 20-25 HRs in his future.
Black’s speed isn’t going to blow you away. He is a smart player though, will pick his spots to steal, and could be more proficient than most at the upper levels. The Raiders infielder has enough quickness to play second base in the majors. His hands are solid and he moves well around the bag.
Weaknesses
Overall, aside from the bat, Black is fairly average. The potential is there, but scouts worry about him slowing down as he ages. The 20-year-old also had shoulder surgery last year which caused the move back to second base after handling third in the truncated 2020 season. Black also has a lot of movement at the plate pre-swing. I could see him getting out of his mechanics and finding it difficult to get back to what worked for him. Simplifying his setup and trusting his pitch recognition may be something he should work on to have long-term success.
Pro Comparison: Jason Kipnis
Over the course of Kipnis’s career, he has averaged 18 HRs and 19 SBs with a 9.4 percent walk rate. That is where I can see Black around. Following the same trajectory as Kipnis, Black could steal bases early in his career and then hit for some more power later on. Overall he is a solid bat who will be an average to above-average defender at the keystone for at least his first contract.
Draft Projection: Round 3, Pick 89, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have the luxury of taking Black with their fifth pick here. His bat will certainly play in the Queen City, and after taking pitchers with three of their top four picks, the Reds go with offense in this spot.
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Main Image Credit: https://twitter.com/tylerblack_6
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