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: The Westminster Schools (GA)
Position: Outfield/First Base
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 220 lbs.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
William Benson 2016 MLB Draft Profile
The first thing that comes to mind when someone sees William Benson play baseball is his resemblance to Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward. Benson has a similar build to Heyward and shares many of the same attributes of the star outfielder.
Benson’s potential is obvious, as he is a recent 2016 Rawlings-Perfect Game First-Team All-American, and was All-Region First-Team in the Southeast. Benson has been on PG’s radar for several years, earning 2014 Underclass Second-Team honors and 2015 Underclass First-Team honors as well.
In addition to being a standout baseball player, Benson also plays basketball at Westminster High School as well. Benson’s athleticism on the basketball court will only help him, now that he is fully committing to baseball.
Although scouts have projected that he may be a borderline first round pick, William Benson has committed to Duke University as a means to keep his options open.
Strengths:
- Excellent bat speed
- Great build, lots of raw power
- Plays the outfield and first base with above average proficiency
- Possesses leadership qualities, has a great attitude about the game
- Very aggressive play style
Weaknesses:
- Swing mechanics leave a bit to be desired
- Pulls the ball too much, lacks discipline on the outer half of the plate
- Sometimes tries to do too much
MLB Comparison: Jason Heyward, OF Chicago Cubs
Projected Pick Range: Benson offers one of the most diverse skill sets in the entire draft; and his raw untapped potential should lead to him being drafted in the first round. Smart money says he most likely comes off the board somewhere in the 25-30 range.
Most Likely Landing Spot: Baltimore Orioles
Bottom Line:
It’s very possible that the St. Louis Cardinals pull the trigger a few picks earlier, but Will Benson going to the Baltimore Orioles makes a ton of sense. The Orioles are currently led by Adam Jones in the outfield, but as he begins to enter the last bit of his prime, the team will begin to look for his eventual heir.
To that point, the currently Orioles farm system isn’t exactly overloaded with outfield prospects. Baltimore can make the call to draft Benson and let him get some seasoning in the minors for a few years. If all goes well, and Benson is indeed able to reach his potential, the Orioles lineup will be set for years to come just as Manny Machado begins to enter the prime of his career.
Sources: The Prospect Pipeline, Perfect Game, MLB, Viva El Birdos
Main Photo via YouTube.com
