For analysis and scouting reports on the Blue Jays earlier picks, click here.
The Blue Jays have made their fifth round selection of the 2016 MLB draft, picking 2B Cavan Biggio out of Notre Dame. Biggio is the son of former Astros great Craig Biggio, and stands at 6’1′ and weighs 203 lbs. He bats left handed.
Blue Jays' pick Craig Biggio's son Cavan. Walk-first approach meant huge OBPs at Notre Dame. Scouts want to see more pop/defense.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) June 10, 2016
From Chris Crawford’s MLB Draft book is the following report:
“Biggio was on fire for the first month of the season but really struggled to end the year, and saw his draft stock drop in the process. The calling card is his approach at the plate, as he’s willing to work counts and will draw a ton of walks. That approach can sometimes get passive, however, and he doesn’t have the bat speed or swing path to spoil pitches, leading to lots of strikeouts. He won’t remind anyone of Jeff Kent, but he does have a natural loft, and solid-average power is within reach. He’s an above-average runner who gets great jumps on the bases, and he’s a solid defender at second base, though some believe he’d profile best in a corner outfield spot. The upside is everyday second baseman, the floor is utility infielder who can help everywhere but shortstop and catcher.”
This is what Prospect Junkies had to say about Biggio:
“HITTING: While I tend not to care about what a player does before he starts his swing, it’s hard to ignore Biggio’s exaggerated bat wiggle. He does, however, lower his hands to a load position in plenty of time and he’s short and quick to the ball without a hitch in his swing. Biggio shows great strike zone recognition and a propensity for taking walks.
POWER: Biggio has some natural loft to his swing and uses a strong lower half to generate gap to gap power. Biggio does a good job of barreling the ball and has the potential to develop average power.
SPEED: An above average runner, I had Biggio at 4.1 to 1st base on two occasions. This type of speed will make him the an occasional threat on the base baths and will be easily playable at whatever defensive position he calls home.
ARM: From the infield, the arm is playable at 2nd, but it could also profile in left field.
DEFENSE: Biggio displays soft hands and sound footwork around the bag making all the plays he’s supposed to make.
FUTURE: Biggio has the pedigree, track record and talent to garner attention. Biggio doesn’t do anything poorly but he doesn’t have a stand out tool either. I view him as a 3th-5th round talent with a chance to become an MLB regular.”
Here’s MLB Pipeline’s scouting video featuring Biggio:
The Blue Jays have five more picks today. We’ll have coverage of those picks after today’s portion of the draft is finished.
Lead Photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Crawford’s MLB Draft Book can be purchased on iBooks for just $4.99. It’s a must buy for anybody looking to learn more about all the top players in the 2016 draft class.