Scouting the 2020 Draft: Tyler Soderstrom

Tyler Soderstrom C, HS.  B-L, T-R.  6'2", 190 lbs.

I thought this name seemed familiar when I saw it on Fangraphs draft prospects list.  Sure enough!  Turns out his dad is RHP Steve Soderstrom, #6 overall draft pick by the Giants in 1993.  Steve went on to have all of a 10 day MLB career making a total of 3 starts for the Giants in 1996.  He retired from playing baseball and opened a baseball teaching facility in his hometown of Turlock, CA which is where Tyler hails from.

Tyler Soderstrom has what scouts seem to agree is a plus LH hit tool which is close to the holy grail of catching prospects.  PG calls the bat "elite."  Despite his listed 190 lbs, he still has a lean, young looking body which could easily carry another 20 lbs of muscle without sacrificing athleticism, suggesting there is more power potential in the current gap power bat.  His 6.86 60-yd dash time suggests the ability to play multiple positions with PG also listing him as a 3B/OF.  Some scouts think a drafting team might want to preserve the bat by moving him to a less physically taxing position.  He is committed to UCLA.  His dad was drafted by the Mets in 15'th round, went to college at Fresno St and improved his draft position to #6 overall.  Based on that bit of history, I'll guess it will be tough to sign him away from his college commitment.