Chad Hinshaw

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #10 prospect in 2016
  A four-year player at Illinois State drafted in the 15th round in 2013, Hinshaw was a sleeper who emerged in 2014 with a strong season split at two Class A levels. He continued his development with a strong year at Double-A Arkansas in 2015, followed by an even more impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League in which he hit .349. Hinshaw is notable for his outstanding makeup and reputation as a student of the game, but he also owns impressive tools. He's an above-average runner and a plus basestealer, having stolen 27 bases in 32 tries in 2015. Hinshaw is at least an above-average defender who gets good jumps and is capable of handling all three outfield positions. At the plate, Hinshaw has a line-drive stroke but with not a lot of power. He worked on his bat path during the season, shortening his stroke and doing a better job of controlling the strike zone. He still strikes out a lot--24 percent at Double-A--but counters that by drawing a fair number of walks. Hinshaw profiles best as a fourth outfielder with a good chance of getting to the big leagues in that role. At age 25, he will move up to Triple-A Salt Lake in 2016.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #28 prospect in 2015
  Merely a name on the organization's center-field depth chart after being selected in the 15th round in 2013, Hinshaw boosted his stock with a strong 2014 season split between low Class A Burlington and high Class A Inland Empire. The four-year starter at Illinois State batted a cumulative .270/.365/.477 with 16 home runs and 41 stolen bases. Hinshaw has a high baseball IQ and is an average defender in center field with a good arm and good first step. He's an above-average defender in the corners, with an average arm that will allow him to handle all three positions. A plus runner, Hinshaw uses his speed effectively on defense and on the bases. His improvement as a hitter came when he learned to drive the ball with a shorter swing in the zone, though he still swings and misses frequently. Already 24, Hinshaw may be ready for an assignment to Double-A Arkansas in 2015, and his combination of solid tools could spell a future as an extra outfielder in the majors.