Corner infield is a group that primarily focuses around the players offense. Third-baseman less so than first-baseman but are expected to have a strong arm and more range. But, everyone is always looking for some offensive production from these two spots.
This year, the crop has some definite intrigue as there are several athletic prospects capable of projecting to be above average defensively as well as several prospects with very strong power potential.
1. Kris Bryant, 6-5, 215, University of San Diego
This is easily the best infield prospect in the draft and is easily the best college position player in the draft. Bryant provides plus-plus power but there are questions on his ability to make consistent contact as he's had issues in the past and doesn't face the best collegiate competition. He has the arm to play anywhere and despite his good athleticism, his size and being on his heels far too often, he's likely to be moved away from third. However, it's probably to RF or LF which is better than being pushed to 1B. He has the upside of being one of the better power hitters in baseball but the floor of a low average slugger. -Subber10
2. Colin Moran, 6-3, 215, University of North Carolina
Doesn't have Kris Bryant's power, but I'm more confident in Moran's hit tool, going forward. He's probably the best all-around college bat in this year's class. He had some worried by his slow start to the season, but has done nothing but mash since. He has a good enough arm to stick at third, but his lack of range may force him to the other side of the infield. Either way, his bat is good. -jsams
3. Dominic Smith, 6-0, 195, Serra HS (CA)
4. Rowdy Tellez, 6-4, 225, Elk Grove HS (CA)
Mammouth of a kid with equally-sized power from the left side of the plate. Hit tool has some upside and he has a solid approach. Because of his size, there are some holes in his swing, and he can have stretches of weak contact. Average defensively – has the athleticism to be a serviceable outfielder, but average arm. -jsams
5. Eric Jagielo, 6-3, 215, Notre Dame
An energetic player with broad shoulders and hips that generate above-average power, Jagielo has been a walk machine at Notre Dame and has hit plenty to boot. He has the motor and quickness to play the hot corner well and has enough arm for the position. He's extremely patient at the plate and will only swing at pitches he thinks he can drive with few exceptions. His swing is slightly long and he generates only average bat speed, so he is likely to strike out a fair amount as a pro. He's very reminiscent of Washington farmhand Matt Skole. -kyuss94
6. Joey Martarano, 6-3, 220, Fruitland HS (ID)
A two-sport star committed to Boise State as a linebacker, Martarano has tantalizing tools on both sides of the ball. He is an explosive athlete with a prototype frame for a power hitter, and his swing should allow him to hit for average assuming he continues to mature as a hitter. He won't be an easy sign, but if he commits to baseball, he has the potential to be a true impact player on offense. -kyuss94
7. Ryon Healy, 6-5, 227, Oregon
Big guy who finally tapped into his power potential during his senior season at Oregon – still think there's plenty of untapped potential left. Doesn't have high upside, but already a good hitter. Strong arm, and while he's widely projected at first, I still believe he can play 3B. -jsams
8. Zack Collins, 6-3, 220, American Heritage HS (FL)
Though he plays catcher in high school, it is most likely that Collins will end up a first baseman as a professional. A team may try him at third base or right field since he does have a solid arm, but his below average foot speed and lateral quickness he is a bit of a longshot to stick there. His ticket to the bigs (potentially) is his swing, a smooth, rapid cut that covers the plate well and generates a ton of leverage. His status as a lefty is also attractive, and he has the potential to be an impact bat. However, with so little defensive value and less polish as a hitter than a player like Dominic Smith, Collins' draft stock is capped a bit. That said, his upside is great and he has the ability to make a team look very smart by selecting him. -kyuss94
9. Ryan McMahon, 6-3, 195, Mater Dei HS (CA)
A very compact swing with nice lift, good bat speed, and above-average strength. McMahon already generates quite a bit of power, but stands to get better in this department as he ages. He's also skilled defensively, though nowhere in the range of some of the top performers in this class. He's got a strong arm and good feet, but the true value here is in his bat. -Anthony Boyer
10. Trey Williams, 6-1, 210, College of the Canyons (JuCo)
Fans who grew up in the 90s may remember Williams' father, Eddie, a journeyman corner infielder. The younger Williams is a better talent, but needs to become more consistent to really thrive as a professional. Signability concerns pushed him to the 11th round in 2012, where the Cardinals drafted him, but he forewent his Pepperdine commitment in favor of JC College of the Canyons, where he's been unspectacular. He's got tools - soft hands, good feet, a plus arm, decent speed, and a smooth right-handed stroke that produces some pop. Some think he can become a middle-of-the-order hitter at third base, but he'll need to work on some things to get there. -Anthony Boyer
11. Malik Collymore, 6-0, 195, Port Credit SS (Canada)
Probably the best Canadian talent in the draft, this is a guy that popped onto our radars recently, with a strong showing in the PG National Pre-Draft Showcase. He's played largely as a middle infielder, but worked out with third basemen at the showcase, and he looks awfully good there, though he stands just 6'0", 195 lbs. He's got good-not-great speed and a very short, very direct-to-the-ball swing. The ball explodes off of his bat. He's got a lot of range for a third baseman, but maybe not enough at shortstop, and plenty of arm for either. -Anthony Boyer
12. DJ Peterson, 6-1, 205, New Mexico
One of the best overall bats in college baseball. He won't be a multiple-time All-Star, but he'll be a solid regular at either third or first for a long time. The fact that he's already a very polished hitter makes him a relatively safe pick. -jsams
13. Travis Demeritte, 6-1, 195, Winder-Barrow HS (GA)
Plays SS in HS, but profiles as a 3B. He has plus bat speed and raw power, but his stance is susceptible to breaking stuff. Not the best athlete, nor does he have the best arm. Picking him means you're investing in his bat – definitely risk involved. -jsams
14. Chad Pinder, 6-2, 192, Virginia Tech
The son of former Giants farmhand Christopher Pinder, I've referred to Chad in the past as the "Matt Dominguez of college third basemen," which is to say that he's gifted defensively, with a good enough bat to play, but probably not enough to ever be an offensive threat. He slashed .278/.345/.532 in the Cape Cod League despite playing with a hernia, so there's some pop there, but his plate discipline is a concern. -Anthony Boyer
15. Cavan Biggio, 6-2, 180, St. Thomas HS (TX)
It's hard not to know who is father is. However, he's not entirely like Craig. He has the potential to hit for a high average and has a very good understanding of the plate. But, he's limited in the power department due to his swing plane, he's going to be more of a doubles hitter. The differences between the father and son are on defense. Cavan has a below average arm but has seemed to finally found a comfortable home at 3B where his arm works against him. Where he plays in the pros is a big question mark that has caused his stock to drop. -subber10
16. Conrad Gregor, 6-3, 215, Vanderbilt
Though he came into the year ranked a potential late-first rounder, Gregor has slipped all the way out of the top 3 rounds on most boards due to a highly disappointing season in 2013. At his best, Gregor is a patient hitter who can hit for a solid average while generating above-average power, but this season he has lost his power stroke and is making little hard contact. His plate discipline numbers are still very good, but his lackluster batting average (under .300) and home run total (3) have him sliding down draft boards. I still have hope for him though, as his 43/21 BB/K ratio in 216 plate appearances will readily translate to pro ball, and it is just a matter of him regaining his groove at the dish. He will make for a good value selection in June. -kyuss94
17. Brian Ragira, 6-2, 210, Stanford
The Stanford first-baseman is a good college hitter but doesn't project to be much more than average in the pro ranks. He may be able to play LF but 1B is his likely home. He's an average hitter and could have average power. He has an average arm. He's just very average. -subber10
18. Nick Longhi, 6-2, 208, Venice Senior (FL)
Longhi is a pretty raw prospect but does provide some intrigue at the plate. He uses his height well to create some leverage in his swing. The power potential is nice and he has good trajectory on his batted balls in batting practice. So the potential is there. Despite playing first base in high school, he may be better suited for LF or RF considering that he has a plus arm since he's also pitching prospect. -subber10
19. John Sternagel, 6-4, 200, Rockledge HS (FL)
There are just some guys that love to hit, and John Sternagel is one. He sells out with every swing and simply unloads on the ball. However, that's also his weakness as he can sometimes lose balance and mechanics which leads to weak contact. He has maturing to do as a player, but the passion and tools are there at the plate. He plays SS now, but with his size, he'll need to move to 3B and his above average arm will allow it. -subber10
20. Corey Simpson, 6-3, 220, Sweeny HS (TX)
An all-bat guy with mammouth raw power. He has the makings of a good hitter – clean swing, solid balance, good approach. Below average runner, thrower and defender. Has to hit to be successful. Power is hard to ignore.-jsams
Honorable Mention:
Victor Cartini, Mason Katz, Kevin Franklin, Drew Dosch