AKS

Kyren Paris, IF

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Scouting report

It's been two years since Paris was drafted and he won't turn 20 until after the 2021 season. He has now lost much of two pro seasons: a broken hamate limited him to just three games in 2019, the pandemic knocked out his '20 campaign, and a hamstring strain has shelved him early in '21. Paris' pre-draft profile existed at the intersection of traits a lot of draft models seem to prioritize (chiefly, his age, then his position) and old school scouting (this was one of the 2019 draft's best athletes, a high-effort 70 runner with good baseball instincts). Paris can fly, and he's worked to add significant weight and strength since signing. The strength hasn't really brought more majestic raw power to the party yet, for now I just consider it an indication that he's working at it and am holding onto hope that there will be real strength here eventually. Remember, again, Paris is 19. Even though he's missed reps due to injury, his feel to hit is relatively intact. He has a hook and slash style of hitting, with most of his extra-base damage coming via liners he laces down either baseline; his wheels do the rest. Short-levered guys like Paris are tough to beat with velocity, so even though it's not pretty-looking contact right now, there's enough of it to support the profile. There's a Victor Robles vibe to the swing, and while Robles is obviously very good, he's a flawed offensive player. But this style of hitting suits Paris' skillset. A lack of arm strength is going to limit him to second base and I hope he eventually gets reps in center field. Defensive versatility would enable Paris to still play an integral role even if his bat falls short of penciling it into the leadoff spot everyday.