With the 6th pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, the Padres selected prep shortstop C.J. Abrams out of Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, GA. Abrams caught the eyes of scouts early on in high school career due not only to his tools, but also for his projectability. As early as late 2017/early 2018, Abrams was already tabbed as one of the top prospects in this draft class. Nothing about his play since then changed that outlook.
The first thing that stands out for Abrams is his top of the scale speed that plays on the basepaths. He is capable of beating out routine grounders for base hits and he is a threat to steal bases as he has the speed as well as the willingness/instincts to run. One of the early comps that some scouts put on him was Dee Gordon which may undersell his upside although there are certainly some similarities between the two.
While his speed is his calling card and he may settle into a top of the order-type hitter, Abrams has a frame that could add some muscle and allow his power to tick up even though doing so may be at the expense of his speed a bit. His swing is geared more towards line drives at this moment, but he does hit the ball with authority and could have some sneaky good power numbers if he continues to progress.
Nice start to the final day for C.J. Abrams. Hard double up the middle:#NHSI19 #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/4j3QUOUTbV
— Carlos Collazo (@CarlosACollazo) April 6, 2019
One question that has followed Abrams is where he will ultimately play in the field. He has shown some aptitude as a center fielder with Team USA, but he has primarily played shortstop this spring and has looked pretty good there. If he can be more accurate with his throws from short, he could easily stick there. If not, he could still end up as a really strong defender in center.