Vanderbilt’s Rhett Wiseman (8) jumps into the air celebrating as he approaches home plate after he hit a walk-off home run during the 10th inning of a game to defeat Missouri 7-6 during the SEC tournament. The Nationals drafted Wiseman in the third round of the MLB Draft. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
By Scott Barancik, editor
The Washington Nationals picked Vanderbilt slugger Rhett Wiseman on Day 2 of this year’s MLB amateur draft, selecting him in the 3rd round, 103rd overall.
A 20-year-old outfielder and teammate of overall #1 pick Dansby Swanson, the Massachusetts native is hitting .318 with 14 HRs, 47 RBIs, 12 stolen bases in 14 tries, a .419 on-base percentage and .566 slugging percentage for the College World Series defending champion Commodores.
Said an MLB Network commentator Tuesday, Wiseman “always seems to make a big play, big catch, come up with a big hit for Vanderbilt…Could see him being a corner outfielder, or maybe a fourth outfielder in the big leagues.”
Here’s what others are saying about Wiseman:
A dynamic, strong, fast, powerful player who can impact the game in numerous ways. Rhett has always been able to swing the bat, but he has continually grown as an offensive player to where he is becoming a very difficult out. He also may be one of the more improved defensive players on our teama?b he made some tremendous defensive plays down the stretch that preserved games. A very positive kid who enjoys the team element.
After Vanderbilt’s much-heralded trio of shortstop Dansby Swanson and righthanders Carson Fulmer and Walker Buehler, Wiseman is the Commodores’ next best prospect. Last year he helped Vanderbilt win its first ever national championship and was named to the College World Series all-tournament team. He then went to Cape Cod, where he was playing well before breaking his arm near the end of the summer. He’s returned strong this spring for the Commodores, displaying intriguing athleticism. Wiseman generates good bat speed and he’s willing to work a walk, but that comes along with a fair amount of swing-and-miss. His bat speed and strength mean that he has solid power if he can consistently get to it. At his best, he hits line drives to all fields. Wiseman covers ground well in the outfield thanks to his route-running ability and instincts. He’s more of a solid average runner, however, which makes him a better fit in a corner, where he has played for Vanderbilt. He’s done a better job of tapping into his power this spring and if he’s able to continue to do so in the professional ranks, he could shed the tweener tag and fit the corner outfield profile.
The Nationals continue to stockpile outfielders, choosing Vanderbilt junior Rhett Wiseman with their third-round pick, 103rd overall. Wiseman is second on the Commodores in hitting (.318 in 65 games), trailing only first overall pick Dansby Swanson in that category for the defending national champions. He tied for sixth in the SEC in homers during the regular season, and is slugging .566 with 12 stolen bases and 66 runs scored as the College World Series begins. He is one of the youngest college position players ranked in Baseball America’s Top 500 — a 21-year-old they rank 88th among players available in this year’s draft.
For an up-to-date list of draftees confirmed to be Jewish, check out “Jewish draft picks” on our Home Page.
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