:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/33572375/TCB_DP_2014.0.jpg)
Summary
A preseason favorite of many, including Minor League Ball's Matt Garrioch, Gregory Deichmann has one of the highest ceilings in this prep hitting class due to his projection, power and fluid athleticism. He fits all of the classic measureables at 6'2", 185 with a lefty bat and righty arm, respectable 6.72 speed, and a rock solid 87 MPH infield arm. He flashes upper deck power, glides across the infield, and has a quick release from the left side of the diamond. He has plenty of room to add muscle to his frame and presumably hit the ball with more authority. On a surface level, Deichmann is an incredibly impressive prospect.
Some saw Deichmann as a potential first rounder coming into the year, but that seems to have changed drastically as the draft draws closer for a couple of reasons. First, according to Perfect Game, Deichmann is considered to be very streaky with the bat and didn't show particularly well early in the season when he was drawing the most attention from scouts. In addition, his commitment to LSU is not likely to be broken, and teams may feel uneasy about offering him a big overslot bonus given his inconsistencies.
In the field, Deichmann shows some natural feel for making plays. He's comfortable gloving the ball on either side of his body, and he has a quick release and relatively strong arm, with further strength sure to follow as he fills out his frame. He has the ability to play some solid shortstop right now, but my prediction would be that though short could very well be his home in college or the low minors, he's likely to add weight and move to third base where his bat could still play.
As a hitter, Deichmann is a bit frustrating. The power is there in spades, and he flashes the ability to drive the ball to all fields from the left side of the plate. However, he struggles with plate coverage due to his tight stroke. He sets up on the inside edge of the box and doesn't extend like I'd like him to given his long limbs and strength. He has the approach of a player who is a bit skittish at the plate, and I'd like to see him relax and focus on tapping into his raw power a bit more. There are adjustments he can make to produce more leverage and drive the ball more consistently. Habits can be hard to break for some hitters, but Deichmann is an intelligent player with issues that I think are coachable.
MLB Projection
There are a wide range of outcomes here. He needs to take steps forward as a hitter, but I think he's very capable of doing so. He has the upside of a first division regular and 5 or 6 hitter, but without improvements his bat might not play.
College Commitment
LSU
Will He Sign?
I really doubt it. I have a feeling he is the successor to Alex Bregman at LSU, and could see his stock rise in a similar way as a college player.
Projected Draft Round
I don't see him going in the top 10 rounds given the signability concerns. Based on talent, he'd likely go in the second round if the LSU commitment was not a concern. However, as we've seen, some players get deals worked out with teams before the draft and up going much higher than expected, such as Matt Olson in 2012.
Video