MINORS: The Eyes have it—Brendan McKay
May 24 2018
Shohei Ohtani's early MLB success may have changed baseball forever. Ohtani is opening up the game to hybrid players, guys who succeed at both the plate and on the mound. For years, organizations would choose the role for these type of players, like former big leaguer Rick Ankiel. The Cardinals took Ankiel in the 2nd round of the 1997 draft as a pitcher. After his pitching career was stymied by control problems brought on by psychological issues, Ankiel excelled for a few seasons as a hitter, before retiring as a part-time player at 33.
Now, because of Ohtani’s success, teams are open to letting hybrid players try both disciplines. Leading up to last year’s draft, there were two Top 5 picks with a chance of sticking as a hitter, a...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From Minor Leagues
Updates on some of the risers and fallers in the minors, along with injury updates and promotions.
Jul 29 2025 3:07am
Jul 29 2025 3:07am
Check out the HQ50 to see who our Minors Team thinks are the best prospects in the minors right now.
Jul 16 2025 3:10am
Jul 16 2025 3:10am
Updates on some of the risers and fallers in the minors, along with injury updates and promotions/demotions.
Jul 15 2025 3:08am
Jul 15 2025 3:08am
The BHQ Minors Team scouts the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Jul 13 2025 4:01pm
Jul 13 2025 4:01pm
Updates on some of the risers and fallers in the minors, along with injury updates and promotions/demotions.
Jun 24 2025 3:07am
Jun 24 2025 3:07am
