Jonathan Meyer Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Jonathan Edward Meyer
Born 11/01/1990 in Simi Valley, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Simi Valley
Drafted in the C-B round (111th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2009 (signed for $274,500).

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Meyer is a versatile player whose draft stock has risen steadily as the season has progressed. A solidly built 6-foot-1 switch-hitter, Meyer has played shortstop and third base as well as catching. And as a pitcher, his fastball ranges from 87-91 mph, peaking at 92. Meyer's curveball is serviceable and could develop into a plus pitch. But his future is likely as a position player. He has the frame and arm to be an outstanding catcher. Yet his hands and fielding actions have improved immensely over the past year, and he flashes the playmaking ability to be an average to plus defensive third baseman as well. Meyer probably does not have the speed or quickness to play short, but second base is also a possibility. He is a recent convert to switch-hitting, and while he shows promise he has more power--and is more comfortable--from the right side.

Top Rankings

A natural righthanded hitter, Meyer took up switch-hitting prior to his senior year in high school. After the Astros signed him for $274,500 as a supplemental third-round pick last June, he moved from shortstop to third base and returned to hitting exclusively righthanded. He struggled mightily in his pro debut and struck out excessively, looking especially vulnerable against breaking balls from righties. Meyer does have good bat speed, strong hands and patience, as he led the Appalachian League with 36 walks. He's more of a gap hitter than a significant power threat. Meyer is an instinctive player with good reactions and first-step quickness at third base. He has below-average speed but moves well laterally, goes back well on foul balls down the line and profiles as an above average defender with a plus arm. Some scouts believe he has the tools to move behind the plate, but the Astros have no such plans for now. They hope his bat will catch up to his glove this year in low Class A.

A shortstop and natural righthanded hitter at Simi Valley (Calif.) High, Meyer began switch-hitting prior to his senior year. After drafting him in the supplemental third round this year, the Astros shifted Meyer to third base and had him focus on batting from the right side only. He struggled in his debut, especially facing breaking balls from righties, as he tended to sell out for home runs. A high-energy player, Meyer has the strong hands, bat speed and the gap power to hit as he moves up, though he may never be a significant home run threat. He led the league with 36 walks, displaying uncanny patience for a high school player. On defense, Meyer has the first-step quickness and range to profile as a plus defender at third base. He touched 92 mph off the mound in high school and also spent time at catcher, so he has more than enough arm for third. He's not much of a runner but has average speed underway.