Patrick Kivlehan

For a prospect who seems like he has been around forever, it is remarkable how little Kivlehan’s prospect stock has fluctuated over the years. He has always been seen as a decent hitter, who may not pack the offensive punch to be a big league regular. This was evident again in 2015, as he hit 22 homers, stole 14 bases, and slashed .256/.313/.453 in 518 plate appearances as a 25-year-old at Triple-A Tacoma. A versatile fielder, he received double-digit starts at both the infield corners and the outfield corners, while also getting nine starts in center field. Indeed, the bat probably isn’t good enough to play everyday at any of the corner spots, and the glove probably isn’t good enough for center. This means Kivlehan should break into the majors as a utility player. Upon arrival, it will be on him to hit enough to force his way into the lineup. Every organization needs players like this, but the same cannot be said about most dynasty league rosters.

A football player at Rutgers, Kivlehan didn't step onto the baseball field until his senior year. He did enough in that one year, though, for the Mariners to draft him in the fourth round in 2012. Kivlehan hit .306/.366/.542 with 22 homers over parts of two seasons at High-A High Desert, so it was an important test when he was promoted to Double-A Jackson last May to see how he would fare outside the hitter-friendly Cal League. He struggled badly at first, but he found his stride and reached base in 29 consecutive games, acquitting himself with a .300 average, .859 OPS and 41 extra-base hits. According to scouts, he has the potential to be a run-producing third baseman, hitting for both average and power. He'll probably begin this season back at Jackson, but he's one to keep on the radar.