BeanieAntics
Arbitration Eligible
Wasn't the big reason the more numbers-savvy crowd was so against Beer and his lack of positional flexibility despite the big power was that those are typically guys you can find somewhat more easily? Wallner is already limited to a corner or 1B, even if he has more of a chance to provide defensive value than Beer.
Given that Acuna's likely going to provide you a 35-40 HR bat for awhile, Camargo gives you 20+ as a corner OF if he's moved, and Riley gives you 25-30 bombs wherever he eventually plays, wouldn't it make much more sense to draft an infielder with similar pop who could always be transitioned to play on the grass? If Witt and Hinds have at least a chance to stick on the dirt while providing that kind of pop, I'd much rather have either/both personally.
I think there were plenty of reasons not to draft Beer that don't apply to Wallner. Wallner has spent most of his time at USM playing CF and is really athletic for his size. I think he would be at least an average-above average corner outfielder defensively with a plus arm. He has touched 98 several times while pitching for us at USM. I think he is more akin to a guy like Kyle Lewis than Seth Beer. The thing that I like the most about Wallner is his body. He just has so much room to grow into that huge 6'5" frame. He already has plus power, but if he develops he could end up being an easy 30 homer guy. And I don't like drafting for presumable "needs" in baseball. These guys are usually a few years out and a ton can happen in that time frame.