Padres Minor League News: SS Prospects: Who’s Left?

Josh VanMeter-Mandatory Credit: MiLB.com

4. Josh Van Meter

Current Level: A

Opening Day Age: 20

B/T: L/R

Height/Weight: 5’11” 165 lbs.

Van Meter was a fifth round pick out of Norwell High School in Indiana back in 2013.  After a good 44 games in rookie ball that year, Van Meter spent last season with the Fort Wayne TinCaps.  His numbers dipped to .254/.311/.333/.644.  Not great.  His trademark plate discipline suffered along with his contact and power.  Thankfully his numbers did not dip drastically and with Trea Turner gone, Van Meter will have more playing time to develop his skills.

Unfortunately, one of those skills doesn’t appear to be speed.  Van Meter has only stolen 18 bases in 26 attempts in his 160 minor league games.  This could of course improve, but his below-average range does not indicate he is the fleetest of shortstops.

Do not expect Van Meter to be up to the big leagues in 2015 or even 2016.