Nasim Nunez

Nunez is among the best defensive shortstops in the 2019 class. As an undersized middle infielder at just 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, there are some questions about the amount of offensive impact Nunez might possess, but there is no doubting his defensive skill and toolset. The Clemson commit projects as a plus defensive shortstop because of his plus arm and plus running ability, and he has elite, quick-twitch hands and a knack for throwing accurately from tough arm angles and while on the run. Watching Nunez play defense can be mesmerizing—both in pregame warmups and during the game—because of his fluid actions, immense athleticism and overall joy for the game. As an undersized, switch-hitting, high-aptitude defender, Nunez will draw comparisons to 2018 prep shortstop Xavier Edwards, who signed with the Padres after being drafted with the No. 38 overall pick last June. Edwards has a superior hit tool and better run times, however, while Nunez has more arm strength. Nunez has a solid swing from both sides of the plate, though it’s more natural from the right side. He’s faced good competition in Georgia’s 7A class, but he has well below-average raw power. Teams have been more willing to take undersized players with standout defensive ability high in the draft in recent years, and Nunez fits that to description well, but he’s also a player who could raise his stock significantly in three years if he goes to school and shows he can hit in the ACC. As it stands now, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him drafted in the supplemental first or second round.