Gavin Cecchini

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Mets #14 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Cecchini entered 2018 with a lot to prove after a lackluster 2017 he spent repeating the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. At spring training he popped two home runs in seven games before being sent to minor league camp. Cecchini kept hitting at Las Vegas through May 9, but that's when he was hit by a pitch in his right foot and sustained a bruise that cost him the rest of the season.
  
  Scouting Report: Cecchini has grown noticeably stronger since the Mets drafted him 12th overall in 2012. He improved his swing plane and softened his front-foot landing in 2018, and the early results were tangible in terms of a higher flyball rate and enhanced power production. Cecchini retained a high contact rate with the swing change and could approach fringe-average power to go with a solid-average hit tool. A fringe-average runner, he is a capable second baseman with above-average range but he is stretched at shortstop by sketchy throwing accuracy.
  
  The Future: Positional flexibility could be key to Cecchini's future with the Mets, especially after 2018 rookie Jeff McNeil made such a rousing debut at second base. He could begin his fourth straight season at Triple-A in 2018, with his bat determining if and when he is called to New York.
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  Ranked New York Mets #13 prospect in 2018
  The 12th overall pick in 2012, Cecchini shined in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2016, batting .325 with walks and gap power, but the hits did not fall at Las Vegas in 2017: He showed similar secondary skills but hit just .267. Undone by a poor first half, he watched fellow middle infielders T.J. Rivera and Matt Reynolds pass him on the organizational depth chart and gain a foothold in New York. Cecchini received a late-season callup for the second year in a row, but now looks more like a utility option rather than a potential regular. He shows strong bat-to-ball skills but below-average power and speed to go with choppy infield actions. A good batting eye and a knack for hard contact give Cecchini a chance for an average hit tool, but a level swing plane and groundball batted-ball profile nets him below-average power. Cecchini teamed with shortstop Amed Rosario at Las Vegas in 2017, playing mostly second base for the first time in his career. His average arm with questionable accuracy fits best at second, where he shows average range and converts routine plays. Cecchini probably faces more time at Triple-A because of the Mets' middle-infield depth.
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  Ranked New York Mets #6 prospect in 2017
  The 12th overall pick in 2012, Cecchini missed time with injuries early in his career before putting things together at Class A in 2014. He blended contact skills with strong batting eye to hit .325 at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2016 to rank third in the Pacific Coast League batting race and fifth with a .390 on-base percentage. He earned a September callup and then participated in the Arizona Fall League for a second straight year. Cecchini has hit .321 at Double-A and Triple-A in nearly 900 at-bats, experiencing more success after adding muscle mass and toning down his leg kick to catch up with velocity. His swing is geared to produce line drives and hard ground balls, and though he has below-average power, he can drive the left-center field gap when he works the count to his favor. He ranks consistently as one of the most difficult batters to strike out in his league and will take a walk. A fringy runner, he hardly ever attempts to steal. Cecchini lacks great range or fluidity at shortstop and also lacks throwing accuracy from his average arm, a problem compounded by a high slot and slow release. All that contributed to him leading his league in errors by a shortstop in both 2015 and 2016. Cecchini should see more time at second base in 2017 as he prepares to make the position part of his job description, either as a starter or a utility infielder. A return to Triple-A is probable.
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  Ranked New York Mets #4 prospect in 2016
  The 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft, Cecchini conquered two Class A levels in 2014 and made a seamless transition to Double-A Binghamton in 2015. He ranked among the Eastern League leaders for average (.317), on-base percentage (.377) and slugging (.442) while standing as the circuit's sixth-toughest batter to strike out (11.3 percent). He's the younger brother of Red Sox left fielder/third baseman Garin Cecchini. Cecchini lacks a carrying tool that grades as plus, but he's a solid performer across the board who does not have a major weakness. He toned down his leg kick in 2015, which improved his timing and bat speed at the plate, particularly on fastballs, and his inside-out swing and direct bat path enable him to spray line drives all over the field. He won't hit for big-time power, but he wears out the gaps and hits enough for a middle infielder. Cecchini is a fringe-average runner who lacks big-time quickness in the field, though he makes routine plays at shortstop with good hands and shows an above-average arm with mature instincts. He led EL shortstops with 28 errors, most of them coming when he rushed throws and pulled the first baseman off the bag. Cecchini doesn't have big power or speed, but he does everything else well enough to profile as a starter at shortstop or second base, though the Mets' middle-infield depth could force him to a utility role. He will head to Triple-A Las Vegas in 2016.
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  Ranked New York Mets #10 prospect in 2015
  A broken finger in 2012 and sprained ankle in 2013 undercut Cecchini's first two pro seasons, but the the 12th pick in the 2012 draft stayed completely healthy in 2014. He played at two Class A levels, batting .247/.328/.378, then made a cameo at Double-A Binghamton in time for the Eastern League playoffs. Older brother Garin made his major league debut with the Red Sox in June. Like fellow Mets first-rounder Brandon Nimmo, Cecchini has worked hard to add muscle to his frame. That work paid off in 2014 when he hit eight home runs after entering the season with only one for his career, and scouts see enough bat speed and juice to the gaps for perhaps fringe-average power. A high leg kick threw off Cecchini's timing at high Class A St. Lucie in 2014, making him late against the better fastballs in that league, though bat control and solid discipline should make him at least an average hitter. An athletic shortstop but ordinary runner, Cecchini has solid-average range and a plus arm, though his all-out, maxeffort style turns off some scouts. Cecchini lacks an outstanding offensive tool but should hit enough to reach the majors in some role, perhaps as a regular shortstop or second baseman or utility infielder.
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  Ranked New York Mets #9 prospect in 2014
  Cecchini charted a similar course as older brother Garin, a third baseman in the Red Sox system, when he reported to the short-season New York-Penn League one year after signing. For the second straight season, an injury cut into Cecchini's playing time. After missing time with a broken finger in 2012, he missed most of July 2013 after badly spraining his left ankle on a slide into second base. He hit .324/.378/.370 in 28 August games after returning from the disabled list. More of a slap hitter who serves the ball the other way now, Cecchini projects to add strength and hit with more authority to his pull side. If he does so, he can become an above-average hitter with below-average power. Despite being no more than an average runner, he has room to grow as a basestealer. Cecchini's defensive play, instincts and competitiveness are his calling cards. He converts all the plays at shortstop--slow rollers, hard shots to his backhand--making use of solid-average range, fluid actions, quick hands and a strong arm. Cecchini's ticket to the big leagues will be his ability to play shortstop, but he's likely four full years away from reaching that ceiling. He'll suit up for low Class A Savannah to begin 2014, watching Amed Rosario chase him up the organizational ladder.
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  Ranked New York Mets #2 prospect in 2013
  Cecchini got $2.3 million as the 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft, going three rounds earlier than his brother Garin went to the Red Sox in 2010. Their father Glenn coached both brothers at Barbe High in Lake Charles, La. An errant pitch broke the tip of Gavin's right middle finger on Aug. 1, forcing him to DH for the rest of his pro debut. A strong fundamental player and intense competitor, Cecchini possesses the footwork, hands and range to be a solid shortstop, but he'll need to further develop his average (though accurate) arm to seal the deal. The coordination and footwork he displays in the field help him in the batter's box, where he's a line-drive hitter with a middle-of-the-field approach and feel for contact. Some evaluators would like to see Cecchini tone down the moving parts in his swing to get in better position to hit. Some believe he'll hit for more power as his body matures, perhaps topping out near 10 homers annually. He has average speed and makes smart decisions on the bases. Cecchini's work habits and passion made him attractive to the Mets, who see him as a starting shortstop and top-of-the-lineup hitter. His maturity makes him a strong candidate to open his first full pro season at low Class A Savannah.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #16 prospect in 2012 draft
  Cecchini's family occupies a unique place in Louisiana baseball, as his father and mother both coached him and his older brother Garin at Barbe High. Garin signed with the Red Sox for a $1.31 million bonus as a fourth-round pick in 2010. Gavin is likely to be drafted higher, in the first round, even though he's not as physical and his bat is much more in question. Wiry at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Cecchini's best attributes are his steadiness and defensive skills at shortstop. He has good hands and feet as well as the infield actions to stay at short, and excels at cutoff throws and being in the right spot defensively. His arm strength is a tick above-average and unfailingly accurate. His speed is about the same and plays up like his arm--he's a skilled baserunner who takes extra bases and steals bases intelligently. Cecchini's bat involves some projection, though. Some scouts believe he will be a bottom-of-the-order hitter despite his polished approach because of a lack of strength and impact bat speed. Cecchini is one of the safer bets in the high school class due to his polish, but scouts are mixed on his true upside.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Eastern League #13 prospect in 2015
  Cecchini, the younger brother of Red Sox third baseman Garin Cecchini, is an athletic shortstop who got better in all phases as the Binghamton season wore on. That fact is reflected by his .317 average that ranked second in the EL batting race as well as his second-half batting line of .365/.420/.474. Cecchini's defensive play at shortstop improved, too, as he learned to calm down and let the game come to him. He worked to correct mechanical issues on his throws and also improved the quality of his hands overall. His arm strength grades as above-average and his internal clock is mature for someone his age. At the plate, Cecchini uses an inside-out stroke to spray line drives, and he has present doubles power and average foot speed. That same bat path, however, does leave him vulnerable on pitches on the inner half of the plate. Cecchini played the entire season at age 21 and should advance to the Triple-A Pacific Coast League as one of its youngest players in 2016.
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  Ranked New York-Penn League #11 prospect in 2013
  Cecchini?s older brother Garin ranked No. 2 on this list in 2011 and reached Double-A as a third baseman with the Red Sox this year. Gavin, the No. 12 overall pick last year, is not as physical or offensive as Garin, but he profiles as a true shortstop, unlike his brother. Scouts and NY-P managers agreed that none of Cecchini?s tools stands out, but he?s a gamer with good instincts and makeup. He?s mechanically sound at shortstop with smooth actions, solid range, reliable hands and a strong, accurate arm. ?He played great at short?not good, but great,? Brooklyn manager Rich Donnelly said. ?He made all the plays a shortstop has to make where you use your arm. He made the play in the hole, he made the play up the middle, he made the play where you come in on the slow roller.? Cecchini?s bat has a long way to go. One manager called him ?just weak, like a push hitter.? He slaps balls middle to away and needs to get stronger in order to drive the ball. Some scouts think he could become a slightly above-average hitter with below-average power when he grows into his body. He is an average runner.
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  Ranked National League #12 prospect in 2012
  Cecchini's older brother Garin signed with the Red Sox for $1.31 million in the fourth round of the 2010 draft, while Gavin went 12th overall this June and signed for $2.3 million. An errant pitch broke a bone in the tip of his right middle finger on Aug. 1, knocking him out of action for nearly two weeks and forcing him to DH for the balance of the summer. He didn't play shortstop for Kingsport for the final month of the season, so managers didn't get a good look at Cecchini on defense. He possesses the footwork, hands and range to be an average shortstop, but he'll need to further develop his average though accurate arm to seal the deal. He has average speed and is a plus baserunner. Cecchini probably won't develop more than gap power, but if he can stay in the middle infield it won't matter because he has a chance to hit for average. His overall batting line took a hit when he played through his hand injury and hit .247/.301/.286 during August. He can get too aggressive and he has a lot of moving parts to his swing, but he makes hard line-drive contact when he barrels the ball.

• July, 2018 Scouting Report
  The 2012 first-rounder didn’t hit much last year, but he got off to a fast start in the Pacific Coast League this year thanks to an improved swing plane and softer front-foot landing. Unfortunately, Cecchini suffered a foot injury on May 9 after being hit by a pitch, costing him a shot at a callup. (The Mets instead called on Luis Guillorme and Ty Kelly as backup infielders.) Cecchini lacks a carrying tool outside of his bat-to-ball skills, but he’s a well-rounded, big league-ready player who can do a little of everything, including play all infield positions.
• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: The 12th overall pick in 2012, Cecchini missed time with injuries early in his career before putting things together. He blended contact skills with a strong batting eye to hit .325 at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2016 and ranked third in the Pacific Coast League batting race. He earned a September callup and then participated in the Arizona Fall League for a second straight year. Scouting Report: Cecchini has hit .321 at Double-A and Triple-A in nearly 900 at-bats, experiencing more success after adding muscle mass and toning down his leg kick to catch up with velocity. His swing is geared to produce line drives and hard ground balls, and though he has below-average power, he can drive the left-center field gap when he works the count to his favor. He ranks consistently as one of the most difficult batters to strike out in his league. A fringy runner, he hardly ever attempts to steal. Cecchini lacks great range or fluidity at shortstop and also lacks throwing accuracy from his average arm. All that contributed to him leading his league in errors by a shortstop in both 2015 and 2016.
  
  The Future: Cecchini should see more time at second base in 2017 as he prepares to make the position part of his job description, either as a starter or a utility infielder. A return to Triple-A is probable.
• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Cecchini got $2.3 million as the 12th overall pick in the 2012 draft, going three rounds earlier than his brother Garin went to the Red Sox in 2010. Their father Glenn coached both brothers at Barbe High in Lake Charles, La. An errant pitch broke the tip of Gavin's right middle finger on Aug. 1, forcing him to DH for the rest of his pro debut. Scouting Report: A strong fundamental player and intense competitor, Cecchini possesses the footwork, hands and range to be a solid shortstop, but he'll need to further develop his average (though accurate) arm to seal the deal. The coordination and footwork he displays in the field help him in the batter's box, where he's a line-drive hitter with a middle-of-the-field approach and feel for contact. Some evaluators would like to see Cecchini tone down the moving parts in his swing to get in better position to hit. Some believe he'll hit for more power as his body matures, perhaps topping out near 10 homers annually. He has average speed and makes smart decisions on the bases. The Future: Cecchini's work habits and passion made him attractive to the Mets, who see him as a starting shortstop and top-of-the-lineup hitter. His maturity makes him a strong candidate to open his first full pro season at low Class A Savannah.