Akil Baddoo

This player will receive an outlook for the 2021 fantasy baseball season.

Baddoo posted the second-lowest LD% (9.2%) in the Midwest League and his K% jumped from 13.2% in Rookie ball to 24.0% at Low-A. Those two factors pushed his average down to .243, but there were still positives to his full-season debut. The lefty-hitting outfielder sports a strong all-fields approach (33.7 Oppo%) and puts his plus speed to work on the bases (24-for-29 on SB attempts). Despite the elevated strikeout rate, Baddoo continued to take his walks, posting the sixth best BB% (14.3%) in the MWL. Considering his LD% was north of 20% in 2017, we should expect him to rebound somewhat in that realm this year. He handles fastballs very well, but struggled against quality offspeed pitches. Given his age (20) and good makeup, his pitch recognition could also improve in the coming seasons. He has more upside in OBP and points leagues, but his stolen-base potential makes him relevant in all dynasty formats.

It's easy to see why statheads love Baddoo, but he also has the kind of tools that force scouts to pay attention. He had more walks (36) than strikeouts (32) as an 18-year-old in rookie ball, while also hitting for some pop and utilizing his plus speed on the bases (9-for-13 on stolen-base attempts). The Twins appear to have found a steal with the No. 74 overall pick in 2016. Baddoo even signed for an under-slot $750,000, as he was seen as toolsy yet raw. A sturdy 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, he projects to eventually outgrow his plus wheels, but he also projects to grow into more power. His skill set is that of the prototypical modern-day leadoff hitter. He should get on base at a high clip while flirting with 20-20 seasons early in his career before his speed ticks down. It's possible that he will eventually end up in left field, which puts pressure on the bat, but so far his hit tool appears up to the challenge.