NAME: Tyler O'Neill
AGE: 21
POSITION: OF/DH
TEAM: Jackson Generals (AA affiliate of Seattle Mariners)
DRAFTED; 3rd Round of 2013 June Amateur draft by Seattle Mariners from Garibaldi SS (Brit. Columbia)
SCOUTING REPORT: The name of O'Neill's game is power. This kid can absolutely bust 'em with the best of them. He projects to be a corner outfielder or DH in the long run. Average defender with a plus arm. Average to above average speed (probably a 50 on the 20-80 scale). The concerns for O'Neill center around his ability (or lack thereof) to make consistent contact. Strikeout percentage in 2014 was 32.2%, and just a .247 average. Slight improvement in 2015, K% around 24% (which is a little more reasonable for a slugger) and again right around 25% this year. Still, it will be important to watch how quickly (and if, at all) his plate discipline and pitch selection improves. Call-up to AAA could be coming when MLB rosters expand next month. Major League Debut expected in 2017.
STATS: Currently the #2 prospect in the Seattle system, behind OF Kyle Lewis. Played rookie ball in 2013, hitting .310/1/15. Spent the majority of his abbreviated 2014 campaign with Class-A Clinton, where he hit .247 with 13 home runs. Had a breakout of sorts in 2015 with Class-A+ Bakersfield, hitting .260 with 32 home runs and 87 RBI, while cutting his K percentage down by 7%. Also stole 16 bases. 2016 has been his best overall year to date. Slashed .302/23/96 so far for Jackson (Mariners' AA affiliate) with 10 stolen bases. Has made a career high 4 errors this season, but also has a career high 9 assists.
PROJECTION: O'Neill's bat will get him into the Seattle lineup (especially if they do not keep Nelson Cruz past his current contract). he will most likely turn into a serviceable player who may sneak into an All-Star game or two. I would compare him to Josh Willingham or Jack Cust (at his peak 25-30 HR, 160-190 Ks) but with a little more speed.
No comments:
Post a Comment