2016 State Draft Report: Minnesota

CROP RATING
	Banner Year
Rating compares this year’s group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

 

The success of Minnesota’s program this year ensured it would be a very solid year for the state’s draft prospects. Austin Athmann and Dalton Sawyer helped the team to 36 wins. But it’s the development of Nick Hanson on the high school side that makes this a well-above-average year for the state.

Most Minnesota high school baseball prospects need time in college to develop–often they don’t really play much as freshman as they adjust to the vastly increased speed of the game, so it’s very possible that Hanson will be the only high school player from the state who seriously considers signing as a pro.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Nicholas Hanson, rhp, Prior Lake HS, Savage, Minn. (National Rank: 83)
2. Dalton Sawyer, lhp, Minnesota (National Rank: 137)
3. Austin Athmann, c, Minnesota (National Rank: 242)

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2016 Draft Map

4. Matt Fielder, of, Minnesota
5. Drew Hmielewski, of, Minnesota
6. Caleb Malek, rhp, Northfield (Minn.) HS
7. Michael Busch, ss, Simely HS, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
8. Karl Sorensen, of, St. Cloud (Minn.) State

 

ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS

Matt Fielder, of, Minnesota – A very productive college player who is both a key member of Minnesota’s rotation and was one of their top hitters. Fielder doesn’t have much projection left but he’s an outfielder with a chance to be an average or better hitter.

Drew Hmielewski, of, Minnesota – Hmielewski is signed to play football and baseball at Minnesota. He’s an excellent athlete but his athleticism and developing skills make him a very intriguing prospect.

Caleb Malek, rhp, Northfield (Minn.) HS – Malek has a lot of refinement ahead of him, but as an arm-strength righthander he’s worthy keeping an eye on.

Michael Busch, ss, Simely HS, Inver Grove Heights, Minn. – A North Carolina signee, Busch has bounced back this spring from an arm injury that slowed him last summer. He’s a lefthanded hitting shortstop who like most Minnesota high school prospects needs at-bats to develop.

Karl Sorensen, of, St. Cloud (Minn.) State – Soresen is an average runner with an above-average arm who has transitioned well from third base to the outfield.