Just a little over one month into the 2020 MLB Season and we’ve already seen 13 debuts by 2018 MLB Draft selections, plus another prospect who went undrafted, but was signed as a free agent after the draft. Today, we take a look at the amateur report of one of those who has made it to The Show. Now batting, our No. 5 ranked prospect from the 2018 PBR Draft Board Nick Madrigal.

To check out our Then & Now series from this past spring featuring 2020 draft prospects, please see Draft HQ/Then & Now.

Nick Madrigal, 2B, Chicago White Sox
After an illustrious college career at Oregon State, where he led the Beavers to the 2018 CWS Championship, and a 163 game minor league career, Madrigal made his major league debut on August 1 against the Kansas City Royals. Although he went 0-for-3 during his debut, he has since picked up where he left off in the minor leagues, now batting .400 through 26 MLB plate appearances. With exceptional hand/eye coordination and bat control, Madrigal was regarded as the top contact hitter in the minors, batting .309/.371/.398 and an amazing 51 walks compared to just 21 strikeouts. He also stole 43 bases. He looks poised to take over second base, where he made just five errors in 147 minor league games at that position, on an everyday basis for the Pale Hose. 

MLB.com Debut Video & Boxscore

THEN 2018 College Junior: “Madrigal is just coming back from an injury to his wrist that kept him out for a good chunk of the season, but he has picked up very much where he left off. Two hits in the game while hitting the ball hard. Timing may have been slightly off in the game, but expect that to be cleared up quickly with more at-bats. His quick hands and pitch recognition allow him to put aggressive swings on any pitch early or ahead in counts, and he makes adjustments later on to spray the ball to all fields. Almost appears to know what the pitcher is thinking. Leg kick rocks his weight back while tilting his front shoulder up as it hangs. Hands remain compact before working uphill through the zone. Has shown pull side power in the past while working gap to gap for the most part. Quick and agile at second base with clean hands and a quick release. Arm plays average and is accurate. There is an exciting aura that surrounds Madrigal, and he is the type of player that you cannot take your eyes off of, and almost expect him to do something exciting every game. Superior instincts and baseball IQ, and always appears to be several steps ahead which allows him to slow the game down and play relaxed.”

 

FULL DRAFT REPORT from April 24, 2018