MLB Draft 2016: Profile of Gavin Lux, Dodgers' 1st-round pick

Name: Gavin Lux

Selection: First round, pick 20

School: Indian Trails High School

Top 200 Ranking: 34th

What he’s good at right now

Lux’s best attribute is his lack of significant weaknesses. He’s a high aptitude defender that will likely stay at shortstop with a solid arm and above average hands and footwork. Offensively, Lux has present bat speed and the ability to hit for average.

What he can be good at in the future

Lux has a frame to grow into and with his bat speed, could develop fringe average pop down the road. He’s already a solid contact hitter but could develop into a pure plus high average hitter.

What does he need to work on

Adding strength while maintaining his quickness will be key during his development. Lux has a slight hesitation in his swing that can be ironed out as well to leave him less susceptible to off-speed pitches.

Carry tool

Defense is presently Lux’s best attribute, but eventually his hit tool could develop into plus. As a shortstop prospect, just sticking at the position is enough to carry you through the minor leagues.

Biggest weakness

Lux has no glaring weaknesses per se, though his power may be no better than fringe average. Lux’s biggest detraction from his peers might be his ceiling, as Lux doesn’t have the offensive upside of players like Nolan Jones, Delvin Perez, or Josh Lowe.

ETA

As a prep hitter, Lux will likely move a level at a time, making his Major League ETA some time in 2020. He does have a high aptitude and a solid hit tool, so he might pass both A levels in the same season, a la Alex Verdugo, bumping his arrival up a year.

Realistic best case scenario

Lux might be ready for the major leagues right about the time Seager is ready to slide to third base. He might end up hitting in the lower third of the lineup in a championship caliber team, but is capable of hitting .270 with 5-10 home runs while providing above average defense.

Wrap

Hard to call any high school pick a safe selection, but Gavin Lux has bat speed, a feel for hit, and above average defense at shortstop that help increase his chances of reaching the majors. He doesn’t have the elite physical tools to foresee a star, but he has the type of aptitude to allow all of his tools to play up, and the attitude and compete level to become a fan favorite.