Chad McClanahan

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #30 prospect in 2018
  The physical tools are definitely there for McClanahan, but not everyone is convinced he can put them all together to maximize them. The Brewers are banking on it, having paid far over slot value with a $1.2 million bonus as an 11th rounder in 2016. McClanahan homered in his first pro at-bat but has otherwise struggled, including a .234/.339/.315 slash line at Helena in the hitter-friendly Pioneer League in 2017. A 6-foot-5, 200-pound specimen with big raw power, the fact his his power numbers never materialized were a major disappointment for a player of his size and potential. He's a below-average runner and has worked hard to improve his defense at third base, where he shows a strong-enough arm. But McClanahan also saw action at first base and eventually might move there on a permanent basis. He also has enough athleticism to move to an outfield corner, if it comes to that. As McClanahan gets more at-bats and matures at hitter, the Brewers believe he'll get to his power more consistently. He didn't turn 20 until just before Christmas, so there's of time for McClanahan to make the most of his physical raw skills.
• 
  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #29 prospect in 2017
  The Brewers knew signability could be an issue with McClanahan, who let it be known that he planned to attend Arizona State if his bonus demand was not met. The Brewers selected him in the 11th round and moved on to signing other players but kept money in reserve for a late run at him. Even though they paid a substantial penalty, Milwaukee went over their bonus pool to sign McClanahan for $1.2 million, which is second-round money. A physical specimen who might still grow some, McClanahan has tremendous upside and certainly didn't lower the bar when he homered in his first pro at-bat in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He struck out frequently in his debut and lacked plate discipline, but he hit for above-average power. He projects as a slightly below-average runner. While his offense shows considerable promise, McClanahan is not a lock to remain at third base. His arm is strong enough but some believe he'll move to first base or possibly the outfield, where his athleticism could play. However it plays out position-wise for McClanahan, his offensive potential excites the Brewers.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #136 prospect in 2016 draft
  The Brophy Prep corner infielder flashes some of the best raw power among Four Corners high school products. At 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, McClanahan gets good leverage with his loose swing but it comes with a lot of swing-and-miss. Evaluators who believe that McClanahan can stay at the hot corner project him to be a solid-average defender with an average arm, while others don't see the athleticism required to avoid a move to first base. He's a slightly below-average runner. McClanahan is committed to Arizona State but could be signable if taken in the first five rounds.

• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  The physical tools are definitely there for McClanahan, but not everyone is convinced he can put them all together to maximize them. The Brewers are banking on it, having paid far over slot value with a $1.2 million bonus as an 11th rounder in 2016. McClanahan homered in his first pro at-bat but has otherwise struggled, including a .234/.339/.315 slash line at Helena in the hitter-friendly Pioneer League in 2017. A 6-foot-5, 200-pound specimen with big raw power, the fact his his power numbers never materialized were a major disappointment for a player of his size and potential. He's a below-average runner and has worked hard to improve his defense at third base, where he shows a strong-enough arm. But McClanahan also saw action at first base and eventually might move there on a permanent basis. He also has enough athleticism to move to an outfield corner, if it comes to that. As McClanahan gets more at-bats and matures at hitter, the Brewers believe he'll get to his power more consistently. He didn't turn 20 until just before Christmas, so there's of time for McClanahan to make the most of his physical raw skills.