2017 MLB Draft profile: Connor Wong, Dodgers’ 3rd-round pick

Name: Connor Wong

Selection: 3rd Round, Pick 100

School: University of Houston

Top 200 Ranking: 62nd

What he’s good at right now: Wong is an athletic backstop that has the defensive reputation to stick at the position, but has also shown some promising offensive potential. A productive collegiate base stealer with 38 steals in 46 attempts (82.6%) including 26 out of 30 (86.7%) last year, Wong has good speed for a backstop. Wong had double-digit home runs at Houston this Spring and his power should also be average.

What he can be good at in the future: A collegian without much projection in his 5’10 frame, Wong’s physical tools aren’t likely to develop much further. However, Wong could still polish his hit tool and control the zone a little better. A high school shortstop, the Dodgers could also try him at other positions around the diamond to increase his versatility.

What does he need to work on: Wong’s power is more pull/game power than raw power. His bat speed isn’t plus, so offensive consistency could be an issue without more barrel control in the zone.

Carry tool: Overall athleticism and versatility should give him a solid floor as a bench player.

Biggest weakness: His hit tool is fringe average with a future grade of average.

ETA: He’s fairly polished for a collegian and will probably follow a similar path as Will Smith, so two-three years seems reasonable.

Realistic best case scenario: Wong has the upside of a .275 hitter with 15 home runs and steals annually while providing solid defense and pitch framing.

Wrap: Wong was ranked 38 spots ahead of his eventual selection on my big board and is the third selection in three picks that represents significant value late in their respective round. I like the idea of grabbing athletic up the middle players that give you a high floor with their versatility and decent currency in future trade if need be. Wong isn’t quite the hitter that Will Smith was at Louisville but might offer more pop. The catching position was already an organizational strength and Wong makes it much stronger.