Brett Wallace

“One of the fastest players in the game, Gose swiped 70 bags last year. He’s struggled on the bases this year, though, going just 36-for-63. Very young for his level, he’s hitting .263/.325/.385, which isn’t bad given his age and the pitcher’s league in which he plays (the Florida State League is notoriously pitcher-friendly).

Gose has been compared to Carl Crawford for his speed, left-handed swing, and power potential. Some scouts think he could hit 20 homers down the line, and he’s already hit four this year after hitting just two last season. Gose also has 17 doubles and a whopping eleven triples.

In order to get better use of his speed, Gose does need to tighten up his strike zone. He’s whiffed 103 times this year and walked just 32. He needs to improve his approach, but at his age, he has time to do that.

Defensively, he’s also one of the best center fielders in the minors, so at the very least, he should be a valuable part-timer who saves tons of runs in center field with his stellar range and terrific arm.”

The Obvious

Brett Wallace was traded for the first time last deadline, from the Cardinals to the A’s. The A’s would then ship him to the Blue Jays over the offseason, and he’s now been moved again.

All the while, Wallace has had a reputation as one of the best pure hitters in the minors, but defensive concerns pushed him from third base to first base. Wallace, soon to be 24, was hitting .301/.359/.509 this year in Triple-A, and is a career .304/.375/.487 hitter in the minors. He hit 20 homers last year and has 18 this year.