Gavin Cecchini, SS
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Gavin Cecchini receives his fair share of criticism because his ceiling is not as high as your traditional first round draft pick. The Mets took Cecchini with the 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft because his already impressive floor provided somewhat of a safety net. His defense is already quite polished with strong instincts, decent range, and an average arm which says he would probably have no trouble sticking at shortstop for the long term. However, with Amed Rosario being the more promising young shortstop in the Mets organization, Cecchini may be better off playing second where his skillset would make him a plus defender instead of above average.
Gavin’s value as a prospect will undoubtedly be determined by his hit tool because that and his solid average speed are really his only offerings on the offensive side of his game. In 194 AB’s with the Brooklyn Cyclones last season, Cecchini put up a respectable .273 AVG but with a .319 OBP and measly .314 SLG. His power will always fall well short of average but as a line drive hitter and decent stolen base threat, he could profile nicely as a leadoff hitter in the spacious confines of Citi Field if he improves his pitch selectivity.
Outlook: Cecchini’s ability to make hard contact is certainly present but if he continues to be too frisky with the bat, he’ll have a decent batting average but a very low on base percentage. If he’s smart, he’ll work on his patience at the plate and try to get better pitches to hit so he can spray hard line drives to all parts of the ballpark. That will not only help him maintain a high average but will increase his number of walks as well. If Cecchini could get on base at a good clip, he has the hitting ability, speed and instincts on the basepaths to become a decent leadoff hitter who will probably never be an All Star, but would still have respectable value nonetheless. If his OBP and line drive rate do not improve, he may be better suited as a utility player or defensive-first middle infielder who bats in front of the pitcher.
