As far as pure tools go, Parker Chavers is one of the top college prospects available in the 2020 MLB Draft, but as a projected third or fourth-round pick, somebody is going to be getting a lot of upside in the Coastal Carolina outfielder. Chavers has consistently put up solid numbers, both with the Chanticleers and in the Cape Cod League. As a freshman, he led the team with a .323 average, making sixty starts, and appearing in 62 games.
He was named a freshman All-American by various publications, blasting seven home runs, knocking in 42 runs, while putting up a .442 on-base percentage in conference play. He was the most decorated freshman in Coastal Carolina history. His numbers were largely better in his sophomore campaign, as he knocked his way to a .315 average, fifteen long balls, and 54 RBI. The speedy outfielder also legged out four triples and nine doubles, along with 19 stolen bases over two seasons. Prospect Live ranked Chavers as the third-best prospect in the Cape this past summer, as he hit .270 with 5 HR and 3 SB.
Projection
Chavers projects as a high-upside outfield prospect with the tools to put up 20/20 seasons, although some scouts have expressed concern about his strikeouts (101 in 426 career at-bats). He does swing and miss a lot, but trading strikeouts for power is the name of the game in the modern MLB, and Chavers certainly has the speed and the power – if he can season his game a little bit, the Coastal Carolina star could find his spot in the pros. Defensively, Chavers has the arm to play anywhere in the outfield, but general reviews of his play suggest he needs to hone his outfield instincts if he is to remain in center field past the collegiate level. Regardless, as the 108th-ranked prospect on MLB.com’s Top 200, Chavers figures to slot into the third or fourth round, so the upside that he brings will make him well worth the pick.
Prediction: Round 4, Pick 104, Miami Marlins
The Marlins aren’t going anywhere particularly soon, so for them, getting maximum value at with every pick of their draft is very important. Chavers provides them really solid value late in the draft here, and at early in the fourth round, there’s a decent chance he’s still available. Miami’s got no real franchise players they seem to be building around, so they’re still a few years away from competing, which could fit in nicely with Chavers’ timeline to become a contributor at the major league level.
College Kids Talking College Sports 