Dansby Swanson

A two-time state champion as a basketball player in high school, Swanson didn't sign as a 38th-round pick of the Rockies in 2012. A broken foot and shoulder injury limited Swanson to just 11 games as a freshman at Vanderbilt. But he returned to full health as a sophomore and helped lead the Commodores to their first-ever national championship. He was named Most Outstanding Player at the College World Series and finished the summer with a strong showing for Team USA. Swanson again has produced at the plate this spring, but his most important development has been defensively. After playing second base as a sophomore, he has smoothly transitioned to shortstop for Vanderbilt. He has the athleticism, range and hands necessary for the position. Whether he has a true plus arm remains the subject of some debate, but scouts project he'll stay at shortstop as a professional. Swanson is a well-rounded hitter. He has a quick, loose swing that allows him to produce hard contact to all fields. He is a patient hitter who knows how to work a walk and has a sound two-strike approach. He has some pop in his bat, especially when he can turn on the ball but gears his swing more for hitting line drives. He is a plus runner and knows how to steal bases. Swanson earns praise for his makeup and work ethic.