Dansby Swanson & Alex Bregman Prospect History: Scouting Reports & Comparisons
- Even before they reached teh majors, Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman were consistently linked.
- Both players excelled in high school and were selected in the 2012 MLB Draft.
- From 2013-15, the two faced each other frequently as shortstops in the Southeastern Conference. Swanson earned All-American honors as a sophomore and junior, leading Vanderbilt to the national...
Even before they reached teh majors, Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman were consistently linked.
Both players excelled in high school and were selected in the 2012 MLB Draft. Colorado drafted Swanson in the 38th round, while Boston chose Bregman in the 29th. neither signed instantly. Swanson honored his commitment to Vanderbilt, and Bregman went to Louisiana State. Scouts believed both had the potential to be drafted in the top three rounds if they’d been willing to sign.
From 2013-15, the two faced each other frequently as shortstops in the Southeastern Conference. Swanson earned All-American honors as a sophomore and junior, leading Vanderbilt to the national championship in 2014. The Commodores returned to the College World Series in 2015,but lost in the finals.
Bregman powered LSU’s offense, gaining a reputation for fierce competitiveness and a high baseball IQ. He was an All-American in 2013 and 2015, leading the Tigers to the CWS as a junior. Texas Christian eliminated LSU in the quarterfinals. Both Swanson and Bregman were finalists for the Golden Spikes award that year, though Anthony Benitendi won.
By the 2015 Draft, scouts closely followed both players. MLB Pipeline ranked Swanson No. 2 and Bregman No. 4 on its Top 200 Draft Prospects list. Florida infielder Brendan Rodgers was No. 1, and Vanderbilt righty Carson fulmer was No. 3. Scouts expected both Swanson and Bregman to be drafted early,believing they had the hitting ability and defensive skills to remain at shortstop.
MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Swanson at the time read:
“Swanson is a technically sound hitter who fits at the top of his lineup with his on-base ability and speed. He showed as a junior that there might be Major League average power in his bat as well. His makeup is off the charts and universally praised by coaches and scouts.”
Here’s what Pipeline said about Bregman:
“With his size,toolset,aggressive nature and tremendous feel for the game,Bregman has the potential to be a star.”