In 10 words or fewer: Potentially the answer in LF. Potentially a 4th outfielder too.
Position: OF | Age (2016): 25
Bats: R | Throws: R
Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 205
2015 Rank: 18
OFFENSE
Contact – C-. Probably the weakest part of Hinshaw’s game. The strikeouts aren’t necessarily a problem, but they’re certainly worth keeping an eye on. Fortunately, the K rates haven’t increased as he’s climbed the ladder. They’ve remained steady, which indicates a progression on Hinshaw’s part that matches the increase in quality of competition.
Power – C+. Hinshaw’s power just did not show up to play in 2015, there’s no way around that. But talk to any scout and they’ll tell you the same thing, he’s stronger and has more power than the numbers indicated in AA this last season. A large part of that has to do with two factors: 1. Dickey Stephens Park is where homeruns go to die. He struck the ball with more authority in AA than he did in A ball or Advanced A Ball, yet those resulted in 16 HR’s last season, compared to his one homerun from this past season in AA. Across a full season in the majors, we can expect Hinshaw to be able to hit around 10 four-baggers a year.
Discipline – A-. This is a grade that could have little trouble translating to the majors. He won’t be among the league leaders, but if Hinshaw can land a full-time role, I believe the could post an OBP of .340 or better, and with his speed that’d put him at the top of the lineup.
Speed – A-. Hinshaw can fly around the bases. He gets great reads and should be a lock for 30 stolen bases on a yearly basis if he becomes a full time player.
DEFENSE
Arm – B. Most of the scouting reports on Chad say the same thing, and measure up equally to what I’ve witnessed so far. The arm strength itself is probably average for the major leagues for a CF. If he plays left field it’ll probably grade out as slightly above average, but he also scores positive marks for it’s accuracy. He has a good steady arm and can put the ball on the bag with most of his throws.
Fielding – A. Hinshaw’s fielding is rivaled by few CF in the minors. He’s as steady as they come. I consider him on par with Kole Calhoun in terms of his ability with the glove, and Calhoun scored himself his first of what may turn into many Gold Gloves. That’s how good Chad Hinshaw is out there. He’d make an elite defensive LF more than likely.
Range – A-. Hinshaw covers a ton of ground out there. It isn’t at the level of Mike Trout, because I can count the guys in one hand that cover as much as he does—by my count, Peter Bourjos and Lorenzo Cain—but Hinshaw’s certainly no slouch out there. He uses his plus speed to find his way into gaps and takes extra base hits away.
OVERALL
Performance – B. Hinshaw showed no problems in handling the pitching in AA, posting a very solid batting average and OBP. His defense took a major step forward in 2015, and his speed remained in the plus range he’s always been at. The translation is simply that Chad Hinshaw continues to improve as a baseball player, which is what the minor leagues are for. The lack of homeruns were a little disconcerting, but once you understand the type of hitter Chad is, the hand injury that cost him a fair chunk of the year, and the environment he was playing in, you can see why the power numbers didn’t manifest.
Projection – B. Personally, I see Hinshaw turning into a starting OF in the major leagues. Most pundits think he profiles better as a fourth outfielder and while I can’t discount them for their beliefs, mine are firmly cemented in watching Hinshaw grow leaps and bounds in AA. It wasn’t the sort of overnight growth that leaves you questioning where this guy came from and whether or not it was all a fluke. No, this was the type where most of his impressive tools just became all the more impressive. Hinshaw even looks like he may have put on a few more pounds muscle, which is a good sign because his frame, while wiry, was already muscular in the first pace. Now before we get out of control in our projections, let me explain that while I do view him as a starter, it doesn’t mean he’ll be afforded the opportunity immediately, nor am I saying that he’s going to be a superstar. I see Chad turning into a full time player that hits .260/.340 with 30 doubles 10 homeruns and 30 stolen bases to go along with good defense. I can’t find a great comp, so I’ll just say that Hinshaw should end up being a solid 3 or 4-win player.
What to expect in 2016 – Hinshaw conquered AA and for the second consecutive year, was one of the better players in the Arizona Fall League, continually pacing individuals with more notoriety than he has. I expect Hinshaw will spend the large chunk of this next season in AAA, proving the power really will play up before making an appearance with the Angels in September.
Most Likely Scenario – Hinshaw grows into one of the better fourth outfielders in baseball. His “plus” defense will allow managers to slot him in any spot in the OF with no hesitation. His “plus” speed make him a prime candidate for pinch running duties where his quick jumps, intelligence and speed will allow him to wreak havoc on the bases. His other tools like plate discipline and power grade out just high enough to allow managers to deploy him as a starting OF in the case of injuries.
Grade as a Prospect – B-. Hinshaw would grade higher, but he’s entering his age 25 season, which is pretty much the limit for prospects. Still, he’s an exciting player.
Estimated Time of Arrival – 2016/2017. Hinshaw should make an appearance sometime this year, but I anticipate him breaking into the majors for good next in 2017.
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