Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: Lake Minneola High School (Florida)
Position: Third Base
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drew Mendoza 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Drew Mendoza may have been a shortstop in high school, but he projects to third base as a pro. That’s where he has taken reps at showcases, and that is likely where he will end up playing. The fact is that his athleticism gives him the ability to play both positions. In addition, he has seen time as a pitcher, and he has also starred on the basketball court for Lake Minneola.
In two season of varsity baseball covered by MaxPreps, Mendoza has put up some impressive numbers. He owns a .422 batting average in 168 plate appearances, and sports an OPS of 1.196. In twenty-eight games as a senior, Mendoza has driven in thirty-one runs, while hitting eleven doubles and seven home runs.
He is not quite as impressive with a glove as he is with a bat, but he can get the job done. He owns a career .922 fielding percentage committing eight errors. He needs work as a fielder, and should go to a team that has time to let him develop. His commitment to Florida State University could get in the way of a team signing him, but he’ll probably be drafted high enough to eliminate that problem.
Strengths:
- Athleticism
- Advanced hitting
- Proficient fielding
- Frame suggests power will develop
Weaknesses:
- Youth
- Extremely
- Commitment to Florida State could make him difficult to sign
MLB Comparison: Manny Machado, Third Baseman, Baltimore Orioles
Projected Pick Range: 22-37 overall
Most Likely Landing Spots: Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, San Diego Padres
Bottom Line
Mendoza could be a top thirty pick in June thanks to his ability to hit. Improved defense at third, a relatively new position for him, could make him a a star one day. That should come with age and experience, as should his power. He has all the tools be to be a top Major League Baseball third baseman. At this point, it’s just a matter of putting the whole thing together.
Sources: MaxPreps, Perfect Game
Main Photo via Youtube
