The Phillies return to the college ranks in the 6th round of the draft with University of Florida shortstop Dalton Guthrie. This is the first pick in a while that is on or above value on the public rankings, and the Phillies may have ended up with a bit of a steal because a down year drove down Guthrie’s value. He was hampered all year by an arm injury that harmed him both in the field and at the plate.
As a hitter, Guthrie doesn’t seem to be much special, good feel to hit and most sources have him as an average hitter in the future. He has poor power and is mostly going to spray it to the gaps. What makes him worthy of a 6th round pick is his glove. His arm was hampered by the injury, but he is one of the few college shortstops that has the tools to stick at the position long term. If he has to move off short for any reason he should be an excellent defensive second baseman. Given his lack of impact at the plate he probably profiles best as a utility infielder in the majors, but if his arm fully returns and he can play an above average to plus defensive shortstop he might be a regular. Guthrie is going to get the grit and gamer tag because of his size, position, and instincts, and the pick was universally praised by evaluators (most of whom called him one of their favorite players). He also has major league bloodlines with his father long time big league pitcher Mark Guthrie.
Guthrie almost certainly goes to Williamsport where it will be interesting to see where he plays defensively, especially if Jonathan Guzman ends up there as well.
Overall good value for the Phillies. If it weren’t for the injury, Guthrie probably goes a few rounds earlier.