No. 21: Third Baseman Cole Stobbe
The Phillies went hitter-pitcher-hitter-pitcher to start off this year’s draft, taking Cole Stobbe in the third round. The team signed Stobbe for $1.1 million out of a Nebraska high school. Stobbe was old for his class, as he turned 19 years old on August 30.
Stobbe began his professional career well with the GCL Phillies. In 44 games, he carried a .270/.337/.405 hitting line. His wRC+ of 123 suggests he was an above-average hitter in the GCL. Stobbe also flashed some power with four home runs this season.
Stobbe’s discipline was about what you would hope for. His 8.3% walk rate and 17.9% strikeout rate were both about average to above-average.
The hope for Stobbe is that he develops five average tools in time. At the plate, Stobbe offers a clean swing with plenty of line-drive ability. As I mentioned earlier, Stobbe flashed some power this year and it should only develop as he ages and gets stronger.
Right now, Stobbe is a decent fielder at shortstop, making all the routine plays. However, a move to third base is likely because he will lose a step as he gets bigger and stronger. His average arm and speed should play well from the hot corner.
According to MLB.com, one scout called Stobbe a “poor man’s version of Rockies rookie sensation Trevor Story.” While Phillies fans would be ecstatic to have that kind of player, Stobbe is still a long way away from reaching that profile. He will likely start 2017 in extended spring training before heading to short-season Williamsport.