Blake Trahan Stats & Scouting Report

AB	14
AVG	.214
OBP	.214
SLG	.214
HR	0

Full name Blake Matthew Trahan
Born 09/05/1993 in Lake Charles, LA
Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Louisiana - Lafayette
Debut 09/03/2018
Drafted in the 3rd round (84th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2015 (signed for $708,900).

View Draft Report

For years, Louisiana-based scouts have watched Alex Bregman star at Louisiana State as the leader of the Tigers. Not far down the road Trahan has been doing something very similar at Louisiana-Lafayette. The two played together on Team USA last summer with Trahan moving all over the diamond in deference for Bregman, but like Bregman, Trahan could stick at short as a pro depending on what a team is looking for. Trahan has some first-step quickness and enough arm for the position, although he's had to work on his throwing accuracy. His hands work well. He's not the plus runner he once was, but he's still above-average. At the plate, Trahan has a noisy setup as he circles the bat before starting his swing with a significant load. It's the kind of swing that requires excellent pitch recognition and timing to make work, but Trahan has above-average hand-eye coordination and he's struck out in fewer than 10 percent of his at-bats this season. He projects to have well below-average power but his swing should generate doubles. Trahan most likely ends up as a second baseman with an above-average glove or a valuable utilityman, but he should get a chance to prove he can stick at shortstop even if many scouts are skeptical.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

In a system filled with a variety of potential second basemen and third basemen, Trahan stands out because of his defensive ability at shortstop. He probably won't play shortstop every day at the big league level, but his average defense there pairs well with his above-average arm. Trahan projects as an above-average glove at second base with good hands and reliable actions, but his versatility makes him a viable utility infield candidate. His above-average speed makes him an option in center field as he works to increase his versatility. At the plate, Trahan has a tendency to try to do too much. He focuses on making contact, driving the ball in the gaps, using the whole field and taking advantage of his speed. But at times his pre-swing load gets big and his swing gets too lengthy for a player with well below-average power. Trahan is a good bunter, which helps him maximize his average hit tool. He will join a crowded infield at Double-A Pensacola in 2017.
The Reds' track record with successful college shortstops is comparatively robust. From Justin Turner and Chris Valaika in the 2006 draft to Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart in 2007, the Reds have seen such players regularly exceed expectations and turn into productive big leaguers. Trahan fits that profile. He hit over .300 while walking more than he struck out in all three seasons as a starter at Louisiana-Lafayette. His hands are in constant motion as he circles the bat in his hands as he waits for the pitch, then he takes a large timing step, shifting his weight back in his stance. Trahan's hands work well, and he has an excellent understanding of the strike zone. He projects as an above-average hitter who's tough to strike out and gets on base. Trahan is an average runner with little power. He has reliable hands at shortstop, average range and a tick above-average, accurate arm. He will not be the plus defender many teams look for at shortstop, but his confident, all-out approach to the game will allow him to get the most from his tools. Trahan has a good chance to at least be a big league utility player and may exceed those expectations. He struggled in a brief glimpse at high Class A Daytona in 2015, but he should be ready to return there in 2016.

Draft Prospects

For years, Louisiana-based scouts have watched Alex Bregman star at Louisiana State as the leader of the Tigers. Not far down the road Trahan has been doing something very similar at Louisiana-Lafayette. The two played together on Team USA last summer with Trahan moving all over the diamond in deference for Bregman, but like Bregman, Trahan could stick at short as a pro depending on what a team is looking for. Trahan has some first-step quickness and enough arm for the position, although he's had to work on his throwing accuracy. His hands work well. He's not the plus runner he once was, but he's still above-average. At the plate, Trahan has a noisy setup as he circles the bat before starting his swing with a significant load. It's the kind of swing that requires excellent pitch recognition and timing to make work, but Trahan has above-average hand-eye coordination and he's struck out in fewer than 10 percent of his at-bats this season. He projects to have well below-average power but his swing should generate doubles. Trahan most likely ends up as a second baseman with an above-average glove or a valuable utilityman, but he should get a chance to prove he can stick at shortstop even if many scouts are skeptical.

Minor League Top Prospects

Trahan's track record with USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team in 2014 and in three seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette pushed him into first-round consideration for some teams this year before the Reds snagged him in the third. He began his career with Billings before finishing the year at high Class A Daytona. Profiling as the ultimate grinder, Trahan showed advanced in-game skills in the Pioneer League. His average tools play up because of his solid work ethic and how hard he plays. He may not stay at shortstop despite good actions in the field and a strong, accurate arm. His discerning eye at the plate allows his bat to play up, and he consistently puts together good at-bats. Trahan is an average runner who will steal the occasional base. He profiles better as a utility infielder than as a regular because he lacks a true plus tool.