Rylan Bannon

The rare high school second baseman to go on to play baseball at a higher level, Xavier moved Bannon to third base almost immediately after he arrived on campus and saw him blossom into the Big East player of the year this season. A streaky hitter in previous seasons, Bannon became more consistent this year, which paid off not only in batting average but also in more consistent power as he hit .325/.439/.618 with 15 home runs and 17 steals. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Bannon doesn't project to have anything more than fringe-average power in pro ball, but that may be enough thanks to his defensive chops. Bannon is a plus defender at third base, equally adept coming in on balls, ranging to his left or guarding the line. He moves well enough for pro teams to consider sliding him back to second base as well.