Tyler Bortnick

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #29 prospect in 2012
  It should come as no surprise that Bortnick became a favorite of Rays manager Joe Maddon during spring training last year. Maddon not only appreciated how Bortnick performed on the field but also the way he went about his business. He's a true hustle player who gets the most out of his fringe to average tools across the board. Signed for $5,000 as a 16th-round pick in 2009, Bortnick hits line drives from gap to gap. He has the best plate discipline in the system, which allowed him to draw more walks (79) than strikeouts (67) in 2011, and also to hit lefthanders (.301) and righthanders (.308) equally well. He has some gap power and is an excellent bunter. He combined average speed, a quick first step and keen instincts to steal 43 bases in 47 attempts last year. A shortstop in college before he moved to second and then third base as a senior, Bortnick has seen action at all three positions as a pro but played exclusively at the keystone last season. He has a strong arm and solid range for the position, and he does a nice job of turning the double play. Bortnick has all the makings of a solid utility infielder at the major league level, and he wouldn't hurt a team if he had to start at second base for an extended period. After he played in the Arizona Fall League, a full season in Double-A is on his immediate horizon.