Gage
Workman

Reclassified from 2018. Selected in the 14th round by the San Diego Padres. Did not sign. Rangy, projectable frame. Has a knack for making loud contact. Athletic, moves well. Makes a quick exchange on the infield.

2020 DRAFT: Workman entered this spring in a situation similar to former Sun Devil star, and 2019 MLB Draft 10th overall selection, Hunter Bishop – a high level prospect with first-round tools but some things to figure out in the batter's box. In particular, strikeouts are an issue, as Workman has a career K rate of 26%, including another 26% whiff rate on the Cape last summer. While Bishop turned things around during his junior season, scouts are still waiting for Workman to take this particular developmental step forward (through his 76, 2020 spring plate appearances, Workman struckout 21 times for a 28% K rate). A very young junior, Workman just turned 20 in October so time is still on his side, though it is yet to be seen how many additional looks evaluators will get of Workman before this summer's draft. Despite hit ability concerns, Workman shows good raw power from both sides of the plate, peaking at 112.6 mph (91.9 average) on batted balls in play from the left side and 111.8 mph (93.6 average) from the right. He's also a superior athlete with outstanding body control and top tools. He shows better than a plus arm across the diamond, is a plus-to-better runner underway and has the defensive abilities to someday win a Gold Glove. He likely will not make it out of the third round, and is more likely than not to go in the second round to the club most bullish on Workman's long-term offensive potential.

2/15/20: Workman is in a very similar situation as former Sun Devil star Hunter Bishop was going into the 2019 season; a high level prospect with first round tools, but also one who had yet to fully figure things out in the batter’s box. Strikeouts are an issue, as Workman has a career K rate of 26%. Bishop turned it around during his junior season in Tempe and scouts are waiting for Workman to do it as well. A very young junior, Workman just turned 20 in October so time is on his side. Despite hit ability concerns, especially from the right side, Workman is a superior athlete with top tools. He shows better than a plus arm across the diamond, is a plus-plus runner underway and has the defensive abilities to someday win a Gold Glove. He likely will not make it out of the 3rd round, and is more than likely to go in the 2nd round to the club most convicted in his ability to hit.

8/16/19: At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds Workman is a top of the scale athlete who possesses three plus-to-better tools. Although it takes a few steps for him to get up to top speed, he is a plus-plus runner underway and fun to watch as his long stride eats up ground quickly while he cuts around the bases. His type of speed doesn’t translate to plus run times down the line, nor will it allow him to steal a ton of bases, but it is another exciting tool in his shed. With big league actions on the dirt, excellent body control and elite jumping ability, Workman also shows a plus to plus-plus arm across the infield. It’s enough to complete all plays from all arm angles. He’s a polished, natural defender who makes plays from the six-hole with ease. He has a chance to play shortstop for a long time at the pro level, despite likely not ever getting a chance on his college club due to the presence of stalwart Alika Williams. A switch-hitter, Workman has been an enigma on my looks during two summers in the Cape and last fall at Arizona State. He shows average bat speed with more power from the left side than the right. His left-handed swing is smoother and more polished than the right. He pulls off the ball with an uppercut swing that fits his college program’s power first philosophy. His right-handed swing is a bit rigid with less raw power as he cuts off his swing. Moving forward, he must cut down on his strikeout rate (25.5% career at ASU, 26.2% Cape in 2019) and generate more over the fence power (one in 154 Cape at-bats). However, my last look was the Cape All-Star game where he went 2-for-2 with a double, an inside-the-park HR and two RBI. He earned co-MVP honors while displaying a sign of things to come with his bat. Overall, Workman is young for his college class, still just 19 years old, turning 20 in late October. With adjustments to focusing on consistent hard contact, instead of hitting the ball as far as he can and a strong performance in the batter’s box this spring, expect him to rise rapidly on draft boards. His ascent may not be as great as former Sun Devil teammate Hunter Bishop, but it could be enough to vault Workman into late Day One consideration. (Seifert)

8/5/18: Tall, athletic switch-hitting infielder. Young for his college class, still just 18 years old, turning 19 in late October. 6’4/195 frame with much physical projection remaining. Plus arm with good hands and body control. Plus defensive instincts. Played some shortstop, but may outgrow and move to the hot corner. Long stride, below average runner down the line, much better underway. Average bat speed with more power from the left side than the right. Left-handed pulls off the ball with an uppercut, launch angle swing. Right-handed a bit rigid with average raw power. (Seifert)