Connor Norby

Norby never got to show his hitting ability over a full 2020 season, but in 17 games he posted a .403/.439/.500 slash line. This spring, he continued right where he left off with the bat, and showed off his hitting ability, power and speed. The 5-foot-10, 187-pound second baseman has been one of the best performers in the country this spring. He hit .426/.493/.681 with 15 home runs and 18 stolen bases, while walking (31) as many times as he struck out (31) through the first 58 games of the season—and was named one of 24 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award for his efforts. Norby has punished fastballs, breaking balls and offspeed pitches, with an OPS over 1.000 against each type, according to Synergy. His numbers aren’t quite as loud against 93-plus mph velocity this spring, but he also hasn’t faced significant velocity consistently in the American Athletic Conference, so perhaps that’s nothing more than small-sample size nitpicking. While Norby isn’t the most toolsy player, he seems to do everything on the field well. He’s an average runner who has been into the low 90s on the mound in the past and has more than enough arm strength to offer some positional versatility at the next level. He’s been a savvy baserunner throughout his collegiate career, going 24-for-29 (83%) in stolen base attempts. In a down year for college hitters, Norby has excelled offensively. If he snuck into the back of the first round, it would not be surprising.