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Cayden Wallace
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 65 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50
Wallace made an immediate impact at Arkansas when he tied the school's freshman home run record (14) for his home state Razorbacks. He led Arkansas to the College World Series as a Draft-eligible sophomore, and then the Royals took him in the second round of the 2022 Draft while giving him a $1.7 million signing bonus. In his first full pro season, the 22-year-old had a strong start in High-A before a late-season bump to Double-A. His performance dipped slightly at the higher level, but he slashed .254/.331/.414 over 130 games total in 2023, with 27 doubles, seven triples, 13 homers and 84 RBIs.
Wallace goes to the plate with a calm demeanor and simple mechanics, in addition to a compact and efficient right-handed swing. He has a true feel for the barrel and has power potential to all fields, although he struggled with breaking balls in 2023 and could have gotten pull-happy in an attempt to create more power. He projects as more of a gap-to-gap hitter than a home run hitter, but as he adds strength, he might tap into that above-average raw power.
More than anything in 2023, Wallace showed he could handle the hot corner. He’s a natural third baseman with a strong, plus arm. His throws are accurate with good carry -- even the balls he fielded close to the line made it across the diamond with plenty of zip. Wallace has solid baserunning skills to help his average speed, which will lead to more stolen bases. By the end of ‘24, Wallace could be in Triple-A and a step away from the Majors. If he taps into his power, he could be the power-hitting everyday third baseman the Royals have been seeking for years.
If he's currently shaved (pic is from college), give him time, he'll get scruffy again soon.
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