Manuel Margot Has Hit Three Homers in Winter League

Earlier this month the San Diego Padres acquired Manuel Margot in the trade that sent pitcher Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox.

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In 342 career Minor League games, Margot has batted .282 with 23 home runs and 175 RBI.  He is one of thirteen players in the Dominican Winter League that has hit at least three home runs. In 25 games, he has hit three home runs and driven in 11 runs. He is only batting .218 and has an on base percentage of .281 though.

Margot is currently ranked as the Padres’ best prospect by MLB.com, but given that he is only 21 years they may not be ready to call him up this year. Fellow young outfielders Alex Dickerson, Travis Jankowski and Rymer Liriano all received some time in the Padres lineup this past season, so Margot definitely has some competition, but it is never a bad thing to develop in the minors before making it to the big show. Maybe Margot will be a star someday, but it may be a while before that happens and that is fine.

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Here is SoxProspects.com’s scouting report on Margot:

Future first-division regular who could contribute in all areas of the game. Potential leadoff hitter who could hit for average and some power, steal bases and provide above average defense at a premium defensive position. Strong instincts, has really taken to professional baseball since he entered the system and adjusted to each challenge given to him seamlessly.

As AJ Preller rebuilds this roster he is counting on prospects like Margot to fuel the overall turnaround of the club. After trying to go big in season 1, so far he seems to be taking a longer view approach. Moves like trading Benoit and Kimbrel for prospects show that he is putting a little less focus on immediate impact and looking for help for 2017 and 2018 as well.