Age: 23
2019 Level: A-
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 40/50
Game Power: 35/45
Raw Power: 40/50
Run: 50/45
Glove: 45/50
Arm: 50/50
Most Likely Future Role: Utility
Ceiling: Too Early
What we know: One of the surprises of the draft, this may be the first time we’ve ever put a senior 21st round draft pick on this list after a half year. Finds a way to barrel baseballs and showed a little bit of pop at times. Picks up spin well, barrels balls often, and has a nice pro body that could still fill out some and perhaps add game power. Defensively he’s got decent first step quickness and an average 3B arm, but the accuracy of his throws will determine whether he sticks there. There’s enough athleticism here were he could be tried in the outfield or maybe even tried at 2B if 3B doesn’t work out. Definitely a guy to watch despite being a 21st rounder.
What we don’t know: A lot of course. Will upper level velocity cause him problems when combined with good spin? Showed well at Aberdeen, but struggled a little in Delmarva where the quality of pitching was a step up. Can he stick at 3B?
What we think: Welk is just a real nice story, but we won’t have a true reading of him until he can get a full season under his belt. He’ll play at 23-year old next year so he needs to put up numbers next year and try and end the season at High-A.
Another Take: When I first watched Welk I remember thinking, this is not what a 21st round pick out of a DIII school who signed for $1K looks like. He has a pro body and he moves well at the hot corner with enough arm to stick there. He has a polished line drive swing that won’t produce a lot of power, but will generate plenty of hard contact. The approach is advanced and he picks up spin very well. It’s not your typical power profile at third base, but he’s athletic enough to play around the diamond in a utility role. (Luke Siler)
