Trevor Larnach | OF
Background
Larnach, 21, grew up in the Bay Area and did not sign with the Padres as a 40th round pick out of high school in 2015. He’s having a breakout junior season at Oregon State, hitting .338/.467/.669 with 12 homers — he hit three homers total as a freshman and sophomore — and nearly as many walks (32) as strikeouts (33) through 39 games.
Scouting Report
Before discovering his power stroke this year, the 6-foot-4 and 205 lb. Larnach stood out most for his advanced approach and ability to wear out the opposite field as a left-handed hitter. This spring he’s made some adjustments that allow him to better incorporate his lower half into his swing, which helped untap that power. He’s a more complete hitter now, who will serve pitches the other way, hammer mistakes, and take walks. Larnach isn’t a good runner and he’ll be limited to a corner outfield spot long-term. His above-average arm makes right field a natural fit.
Miscellany
In their latest rankings MLB.com (24th), Baseball America (33rd), and Keith Law (47th) all had Larnach as a fringe first round draft prospect. The Yankees hold the 23rd overall. Prospects like Larnach — high-end performers at elite college programs — are often drafted higher than expected, and Oregon State has a very good track record of producing big league players, including similar hit-over-power outfielders like Jacoby Ellsbury and Michael Conforto. Larnach doesn’t have Ellsbury’s speed and defense or Conforto’s near elite hit tool, but he can hit.
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