LA Angels Draft Preview: Bryson Scott Could Be Shortstop of the Future in Anaheim

While the LA Angels certainly don’t need to worry about the shortstop position for years to come, Andrelton Simmons’ eventually replacement could be found in the 2019 MLB Draft.

When the LA Angels made the trade for Andrelton Simmons, it was largely seen as a questionable move. The team needed starting pitching help, and traded away its top two prospects, both of which were starting pitchers, for a defensive-minded shortstop.

As we all know, Simmons recreated his offensive game once he arrived in Anaheim. With starting pitching still an organizational need for the Halos, could they once again ignore that need in place of a shortstop of the future?

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If they do target a shortstop in the first round of the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft, Bryson Scott is the best option for the team.

Standing at 6’3” and 195 pounds, Scott is your prototypical shortstop. A junior out of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Scott could go as high as the Top 10 selections come June 3rd, but there is still some chance he slips to the Halos at pick No. 15. Hitting left-handed only adds to his value.

At the plate, Scott is one of the best hitting prospects I’ve seen so far in this class. While for most prospects we talk about how their mental game needs to catch up with their physical prowess, the opposite could be said for Scott.

He is an extremely smart and mature hitter. In fact, Scott has drawn more walks (101) than strikeouts (76) throughout his collegiate career. Scott has also shown the ability to make contact with both fastballs and off speed pitches, while additionally using all parts of the field.

He still has some room to bulk up and add to his power as well. The best part about his approach at the plate is that he has natural power. His swing isn’t a violent one of the Bryce Harper variety.

It’s more of an easy-going motion, similar to Paul Goldschmidt. While he doesn’t project to have the sort of power the St. Louis slugger provides, it wouldn’t be a shock if Scott has some 20 home run seasons in his career.

On defense, Scott plays like a natural shortstop. There are some questions from scouts whether he can stick as a shortstop or will be forced to switch once he gets into the higher levels of minor leagues. However, Scott will be drafted and brought up as a shortstop, and if that fails, a position switch could be in order.

The Angels have a lack of infield prospects throughout their organization. Besides Jahmai Jones, there aren’t any that project as everyday starters, and even Jones has his question marks.

The Angels should not feel restricted to draft a starting pitcher in the first round, especially if a player of Bryson Scott’s caliber falls into their laps.

While the LA Angels certainly don’t need to worry about the shortstop position for years to come, Andrelton Simmons’ eventually replacement could be found in the 2019 MLB Draft.

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