Richie Shaffer

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #11 prospect in 2016
  When the Rays drafted Shaffer 25th overall in 2012, they hoped to get a corner bat with valuable righthanded power. The utility of Shaffer's power has come into question, largely due to the length of his swing and subsequent swing-and-miss issues. However, he got to his power plenty in 2015, hitting 30 home runs between stops at Double-A Montgomery, Triple-A Durham (where he spent the bulk of the season) and the major leagues. Scouts still are concerned about his contact skills, and his defensive future. With Evan Longoria manning the hot corner in Tampa Bay, Shaffer has spent time both at third and first base, and got a little time on the outfield corners as well. Shaffer doesn't have the quickest first step and does not project to be better than average at any position, though he does have plus arm strength. In 2016, Shaffer could earn a job in Tampa as bench player who can play the corners and get at-bats against lefthanders, or he could return to Durham.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #18 prospect in 2015
  For the first four months at Double-A Montgomery, Shaffer waved at breaking balls when behind in the count, displayed a long swing that left him late on fastballs and showed fringe-average power despite impressive batting practice displays. Shaffer tinkered with several aspects of his hitting and became quieter with his actions, which included toning down his leg kick. He finally found his groove in August, when he hit .273/.398/.591 and swatted seven of his 19 home runs. When in sync, Shaffer has a good approach but can be pull-happy. He displayed better recognition of offspeed pitches in the second half and has quick hands to hit plus fastballs. Shaffer also showed marked improvement at third base, particularly with his footwork. He has steady hands, average range and plus, accurate arm. The Rays have pushed Shaffer but may have him begin 2015 back at Montgomery. He could be a low-average, high-power third baseman.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #13 prospect in 2014
  After ranking as the No. 4 prospect in the short-season New York-Penn League after being drafted in 2012, Shaffer received a two-step promotion to the high Class A Florida State League to open the 2013 campaign and had an eye-opening experience. He struggled with the speed of the game, particularly with his lateral range at third base, and put excessive pressure on himself. To his credit, he worked hard to improve and made significant progress during the second half of the season. Shaffer possesses above-average bat speed and generates power to all fields. He has a good approach at the plate and solid strike-zone discipline, though he tends to chase breaking balls when he gets behind in the count. He has solid athleticism with fringe-average speed. Defensively, he has a plus arm, which is strong enough for third and possibly right field, but he needs to become crisper at the hot corner in order to remain there. A move to first base would mitigate his defensive struggles and fill an organizational need. Shaffer is a potential run-producer at the major league level, and the Rays will be looking for a spike in power in 2014 when he opens the slate at Double-A Montgomery.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #7 prospect in 2013
  The Rays considered Shaffer the best all-around hitter in the 2012 draft, so they were surprised when he fell to them with the 25th overall pick. He signed for $1.71 million and had no problem handling pro pitching. He hit a game-deciding three-run homer in the second game of the New York-Penn League finals, helping Hudson Valley to its first league title in 12 years. Shaffer is the most polished hitter and biggest impact bat in the system. He employs a patient approach with good discipline, uses his hands well and has power to all fields. His swing generates leverage and impressive bat speed that creates loud contact. He'll chase out of the strike zone at times but has the ability to recognize pitches. Just the second third baseman ever drafted in the first round by the Rays, he's blocked by the first, Evan Longoria. Capable of playing first base and right field, Shaffer will remain at the hot corner for now. He has solid athleticism and ability to make throws from a variety of angles. He possesses average speed, plus arm strength and good instincts. He's a hard worker who loves to play. Given his tools and savvy, Shaffer could move quickly. He could start his first full professional season at high Class A Charlotte and crack Tampa Bay's lineup at some point in 2014.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #21 prospect in 2012 draft
  Shaffer was a candidate for the first two rounds of the 2009 coming out of high school in Charlotte, and he dazzled scouts with his batting practice sessions because of his leveraged swing and plus raw power. But a broken hamate bone dropped him to the 25th round, and he declined to sign with the Dodgers and headed to Clemson. Three years later he was leading Clemson's offense with a .351/.481/.600 line and nine home runs, and more walks (47) than strikeouts (39), so his bat should get him into the first round. From a lean, 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame, Shaffer has big-time power that hasn't been affected by college baseball's less-potent bats. He also hits for average, succeeding even against premium velocity, and can use the whole field. He has a chance to stay at third and has the arm strength for the position, but most teams see him moving to first base. His arm and power would also profile in right field, and some teams like him better there.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked New York-Penn League #4 prospect in 2012
  Considered by some clubs to be the top all-around college bat in the 2012 draft, Shaffer signed for $1.71 million as the 25th overall pick. He impressed both offensively and defensively in a half-season in the NY-P, highlighted by a game-winning, three-run homer in the eighth inning of Game Two of the championship series. Shaffer's plus righthanded power potential is his calling card. He has an loose, handsy swing and can pull towering homers to left field or drive the ball out of the park to right-center with ease. He gets in trouble when he tries to do too much and chases pitches out of the zone, but he does have the ability to recognize and take offspeed pitches, and he did a better job attacking hittable fastballs down the stretch. Scouts weren't sold on Shaffer as a third baseman in college, but he demonstrated improved footwork, body control and anticipation at Hudson Valley. He has a plus arm and can make throws from various arm slots, giving him a real chance to stick at the hot corner. A good athlete, he also handles himself ably on the basepaths, though he's no better than a fringy runner.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: The Rays considered Shaffer the best all-around hitter in the 2012 draft, so they were surprised when he fell to them with the 25th overall pick. He signed for $1.71 million and had no problem handling pro pitching. He hit a game-deciding three-run homer in the second game of the New York-Penn League finals, helping Hudson Valley to its first league title in 12 years. Scouting Report: Shaffer is the most polished hitter and biggest impact bat in the system. He employs a patient approach with good discipline, uses his hands well and has power to all fields. His swing generates leverage and impressive bat speed that creates loud contact. He'll chase out of the strike zone at times but has the ability to recognize pitches. Just the second third baseman ever drafted in the first round by the Rays, he's blocked by the first, Evan Longoria. Capable of playing first base and right field, Shaffer will remain at the hot corner for now. He has solid athleticism and ability to make throws from a variety of angles. He possesses average speed, plus arm strength and good instincts. He's a hard worker who loves to play. The Future: Given his tools and savvy, Shaffer could move quickly. He could start his first full professional season at high Class A Charlotte and crack Tampa Bay's lineup at some point in 2014.