Jacob Reimer

Reimer is the latest draft prospect to come out of Yucaipa (Calif.) High, the rural power that produced Mets righthander Taijuan Walker and Orioles righthander Tyler Wells among a long list of former and current major leaguers. He starred on the summer showcase circuit and entered the year considered one of the top prep position players in the country, but a mixed showing this spring led to divided opinions about his future. Reimer is a strong, physical infielder with a mature, 6-foot, 207-pound frame. He has plus raw power and puts on shows in batting practice with long drives that leave the park in a hurry. He impressed high-level decision-makers at USA Baseball's National High School Invitational with a short, compact swing, a patient approach and natural feel for the barrel in games, providing optimism he'll make enough contact to get to his power. Area scouts who watched Reimer on a more frequent basis, however, saw a stiff hitter who struggles against good velocity with an uphill swing that goes in and out of the zone too quickly. He also has an arm bar in his swing that he'll need to clean up. Reimer has a thick, maxed-out frame and will move off of shortstop immediately at higher levels. His hands and arm strength are fine for third base, but he lacks mobility and range and struggles to make plays on the run. He may end up at first base or left field, and some teams want to make him a catcher. Teams that saw Reimer well at NHSI think he could be a power-hitting third baseman and are interested in him early on the draft's second day. Others are skeptical about both his offense and defense and are content to let him go to college. He is committed to Washington.