MMN Top 40 Prospects: No. 8 Gavin Cecchini

8.Gavin Cecchini, SS

Height: 6’1

Weight: 180

DOB: 12/22/1993 (Age: 20)

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Hit: 45/60 Power: 20/30 Run: 50/50 Field: 50/65 Arm: 40/50

Cecchini began his second season in pro ball back in Brooklyn, playing for the Mets short-season affiliate in the New York- Penn League. After a somewhat disappointing debut season for Brooklyn, Cecchini would show improvement immediately in 2013. The former first round pick would hit .292 in June before injuring his ankle just a few days into July. He would come back strong in August, having perhaps his best month as a pro. In 27 August contests the shortstop prospect would hit .324 and draw 10 walks, leading to a .378 OBP. In all it was a solid season for the younger Cecchini brother. He showed improvement at the plate and in the field.

From a scouting standpoint Cecchini is a very safe, but not very sexy prospect. He’s almost certain to play in the majors, but doesn’t have any standout tools that fans can dream on. He’s a good contact hitter with a solid approach at the plate. He won’t swing and miss much, but won’t draw an overwhelming amount of walks either. The speed is solid-average but doesn’t translate to many stolen bases. Defensively, he has a very good glove and great instincts in the field with a good first step. His arm strength is fringey for the position but is often played up by his instincts for getting to the baseball and being well positioned. However, despite the lack of any plus tools, Cecchini is a safe bet to be an everyday major leaguer because he’s solid in most aspects of the game and his makeup is off the charts.

Outlook: Although Cecchini isn’t most fans favorite prospect due to his perceived lack of upside he’s a good player to have in your organization. Not every player can be a potential superstar. Plus when relying on those types of high ceiling, low floor type players you’re likely to come up empty most of the time. Cecchini is a guy you can rely on to do the work needed to get to the highest level and be a solid complementary piece as well as provide leadership qualities from an important position on the diamond.

MMN Top 40 Prospects

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