Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Names to Watch With the 34th Overall Pick

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Arkansas infielder Cayden Wallace (7) takes a throw and tags out Vanderbilt base runner Enrique Bradfield Jr. (51) who was attempting to steal third during the SEC Tournament Thursday, May 27, 2021, in the Hoover Met in Hoover, Alabama. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Sec Tournament Vanderbilt Vs Arkansas /

Infielder/Outfielder Cayden Wallace

Cayden Wallace is one of the better power-hitting prospects going into this year’s draft. The University of Arkansas product has been a quality bat. He’s been moved around the field, but the outfielder is likely his long-term position.

So far at Arkansas, Wallace has batted .280/.370/.494 with a .379 wOBA. Wallace has shown off his power with 17 home runs in only 370 plate appearances and a .214 isolated slugging percentage. With his raw power, he should only see his power output increase. Wallace has decent plate patience with an 11.1% ground ball rate. But his hit tool is a bit questionable. Both MLB Pipeline and FanGraphs only project it as a 45-grade weapon. He’s struck out 20% of the time, which isn’t awful, but not great.

Wallace has split his time between third base and corner outfield, but most see him moving to right and left field long term. He’s a good defensive outfielder with sneaky speed. His arm also plays in both outfield corners and third base well. It’s a plus-plus tool that he can use to make the deep throws from the hot corner or gun a runner out at a base.

Wallace is a potential under slot pick at #34. He could be on the Pirates’ radar, especially if they have the opportunity to draft either Druw Jones or Temarr Johnson. He brings power to two positions.

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