Andy Burns

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #27 prospect in 2016
  Signed for $250,000 after sitting out as transfer from Kentucky to Arizona, Burns had gained momentum the last two seasons. But his first trip to Triple-A Buffalo in 2015 proved difficult as his power numbers and stolen-base totals dipped. The Colorado prep product sacrificed power for contact and set career highs for batting average (.293) and on-base percentage (.351), and he remains versatile. Burns has above-average arm strength, with athletic ability and nimble footwork that allows him to move all over the infield, even shortstop for short spells. He fits better at third base and second, and his average speed is sufficient for him to mix in time on the outfield corners. He stays inside the ball with a line-drive swing at the plate that lacks loft, and he hit into 17 double plays to rank third in the International League. Burns' defensive versatility and competent, if low-impact, bat makes him a potential utility infielder. Unprotected on the 40-man roster, he'll head back to Buffalo in 2016.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #24 prospect in 2015
  Burns sat out the 2011 season following a transfer from Kentucky to Arizona, but the Blue Jays still took him in the 11th round. Following a breakout 2013, he spent the entire 2014 season at Double-A New Hampshire, where his performance picked up in the second half. The athletic Burns has a broad skill set and spent most of his time playing third base, though he played at all four infield spots and the outfield corners. He has an aggressive, line drive-oriented stroke and works inside the ball to all fields, though his bat projects to be fringe-average because he struggles on the outer third of the plate. He flashes above-average raw power and should show average power production. Burns has the defensive ability to stick at third base with an above-average arm, natural quickness and good hands, and his athleticism makes a capable fill-in at every position but shortstop and center field. He is an average runner out of the box with above-average speed under way. Burns should head to Triple-A Buffalo in 2015.
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  Ranked Toronto Blue Jays #19 prospect in 2014
  Burns had to sit out his draft-eligible season after transferring to Arizona from Kentucky, but the Jays grabbed him in the 11th round in 2011. Burns had a breakout campaign across two levels in 2013. A college shortstop with an above-average arm, Burns is an above-average defender with first-step quickness, soft hands and agility. He should be an average hitter and excels at driving middle-away fastballs and stays on breaking balls well. He has bat-to-ball skills and a good idea of the strike zone. With present gap power, he has the strength for at least average power. Despite average speed, Burns is an aggressive, instinctive baserunner who stole 33 bases last year, though he will have to be more efficient, as his success rate was 70 percent in 2013. Opinions of Burns' major league role differ as much as any player in the organization. Supporters believe he can be a regular at third base with above-average defense, 15-20-home run potential and a broad skill set bolstered by plus instincts. His more realistic role is a utility player with the athleticism and versatility to play third, second and the outfield in the mold of Mark DeRosa. Burns will likely begin the season at Double-A, and his versatility could help him reach Toronto this year.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  Burns sat out the 2011 season following a transfer from Kentucky to Arizona, but the Blue Jays still took him in the 11th round. Following a breakout 2013, he spent the entire 2014 season at Double-A New Hampshire, where his performance picked up in the second half. The athletic Burns has a broad skill set and spent most of his time playing third base, though he played at all four infield spots and the outfield corners. He has an aggressive, line drive-oriented stroke and works inside the ball to all fields, though his bat projects to be fringe-average because he struggles on the outer third of the plate. He flashes above-average raw power and should show average power production. Burns has the defensive ability to stick at third base with an above-average arm, natural quickness and good hands, and his athleticism makes a capable fill-in at every position but shortstop and center field. He is an average runner out of the box with above-average speed under way. Burns should head to Triple-A Buffalo in 2015.