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The 2017 MLB Draft is just two days away! We have a few additional names to add today and tomorrow to our series of player profiles, beginning with shortstop Christopher Seise.
THE BASICS
Christopher Seise is a shortstop from West Orange High School in Winter Garden, Florida. A showcase presence dating back to 2013, he is committed to the University of Central Florida for college baseball but is said to be signable if drafted in the early rounds.
Seise is a right-handed hitter and thrower, listed at 6-3, 185, born January 6th, 1999.
STRENGTHS
The top line on Seise’s scouting report is his defense: he has a 60-grade arm, 60-65 speed, soft hands, and enough range and reliability to remain at shortstop. Given his height and projectable body there’s some chance he may outgrow shortstop if he gets too big down the line, but the general opinion is that he has a good chance to stay there. If he does shift to third eventually he would have a very strong glove at the hot corner given his athleticism and instincts.
He knows how to use his speed on the bases and will remain a steal threat at higher levels. The rest of his offensive game is inconsistent, but when he’s right he shows above-average bat speed with clean swing mechanics and at least average power potential.
WEAKNESSES
Seise is an inconsistent hitter: his swing can get long and until this spring he hasn’t produced the power consistent with his perceived bat speed. He reportedly showed more game power over the last few months and his stock has risen accordingly. At times he shows feel for the strike zone but it can also get away from him. He clearly has the potential to be an above-average hitter but in general the offense is behind his glove.
OVERALL PROJECTION
Seise was viewed as a third round candidate back in January but he’s hit well enough this spring to boost his stock. He’s generally pegged in the second round right now but a team impressed with his improved hitting could snag him sooner than that.