Padres Select Grant Little With #74 Overall Selection
MLB DRAFT- MLB Studios, New Jersey
After taking two Vanderbilt commits with their first two picks, the team chose Texas Tech outfielder Grant Little with selection #74 overall.
The draft pick used was the competitive balance round B pick the team acquired last week from the Minnesota Twins along with Phil Hughes.
The Padres were excited to have this selection and used it on an outfielder who is closer to major league ready than most of their previous selections. The team has typically stayed away from Collegiate level bats.
Little is a right handed hitter who constantly barrels up baseballs. He has developing power, though that is not presently considered an asset. He has a smooth compact stroke and at 6-foot-1 185 lbs, could add more strength in time. He is already showing some gap power.
This young man has the ability to play center, but his arm is a bit suspect for the position presently. He has speed for the position and gets good jumps on the ball, but his arm strength is not where you want it to be. He could develop a quality arm in time. Little reportedly has an excellent work ethic.
The outfielder, originally from Midland Texas, put up a .380/.481/.676 battling line with 12 homers and 22 doubles in 216 at bats, resulting in a 1.157 OPS. The power numbers certainly look like they are on the rise for him. The Padres might have found a developing player.
Little walked 40 times and only struck out 31 times in 2018. He has excellent plate discipline and that is something the Padres value.
He could be a fast riser as he should not struggle with the fundamentals. He has a good grasp of those.
Here is some video of him in action. You will notice the smooth swing. He is very fluid with his hands and that should bode well for his future against tougher pitchers.
This wraps up the draft day for the Padres, but they will have the #84 selection on Tuesday and we will get you that information as soon as it comes in.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.