Spencer Edwards
| AB | 321 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .196 |
| OBP | .262 |
| SLG | .259 |
| HR | 1 |
- Full name Spencer Keith Edwards
- Born 04/07/1993 in Dallas, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Rockwall
-
Drafted in the 2nd round (88th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 (signed for $554,400).
View Draft Report
At the outset of 2012, Edwards was more highly regarded than Rockwall teammate Steve Bean, who seemed destined to attend Texas. Now their positions have been reversed, with Bean figuring to go in the first two rounds and Edwards unlikely to go high enough to prevent him from becoming a Longhorn. If Edwards doesn't sign, he'll be draft-eligible as a 21-year-old sophomore in 2014. A switch-hitter, he stands out for his plus-plus speed and quick bat. He could develop gap power once he fills out his 6-foot, 180-pound frame, though a hitch in his swing leads to concerns about his offensive ceiling. Edwards plays shortstop at Rockwall but likely will move to center field at Texas or in pro ball. He has enough arm for shortstop but tends to flip his throws too much, and his hands are too hard for the infield.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
A second-team BA High School All-American after batting .440 with 17 steals in 2012, Edwards went in the second round of the draft and gave up a commitment to Texas to sign for $554,400. He struggled in his pro debut, striking out 42 times and committing 12 errors in 33 games in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, but he still showed the tools and all-around ability that got him picked 88th overall. Edwards has a live body and well above-average speed that he employs to his advantage on defense and on the basepaths. He has a quick bat as well, and he should be able to drive the ball in the gaps as he gains strength. Some scouts were concerned about a hitch in his swing in high school, but Tampa Bay worked with him to smooth out his stroke. While he has plus arm strength and good range at shortstop, he doesn't have soft hands and many evaluators project Edwards as a center fielder. The Rays plan on keeping him at shortstop for the immediate future, however, and they'll see how he develops over the course of the 2013 campaign, which he'll most likely spend in Princeton.
Draft Prospects
-
At the outset of 2012, Edwards was more highly regarded than Rockwall teammate Steve Bean, who seemed destined to attend Texas. Now their positions have been reversed, with Bean figuring to go in the first two rounds and Edwards unlikely to go high enough to prevent him from becoming a Longhorn. If Edwards doesn't sign, he'll be draft-eligible as a 21-year-old sophomore in 2014. A switch-hitter, he stands out for his plus-plus speed and quick bat. He could develop gap power once he fills out his 6-foot, 180-pound frame, though a hitch in his swing leads to concerns about his offensive ceiling. Edwards plays shortstop at Rockwall but likely will move to center field at Texas or in pro ball. He has enough arm for shortstop but tends to flip his throws too much, and his hands are too hard for the infield.
