The Prospect Files: Jonathan Schoop, infielder, Baltimore Orioles

By: Shane Miller


     Jonathon Schoop was signed in 2009 by the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent, out of  Willemstad, Curacao. In 2012 it was the infielder's first year out of A-ball and he hit .245 average, 14 home runs, 56 runs batted in and five stolen bases.   


     Schoop(Scope) is a high-contact hitter with developing power, he is still adding to his 6'1 frame which should help turn his 24 doubles he hit in 2012 into future home runs. "Schoop has quick hands, and has the raw power to take any fastball and mistake pitch out of the ball park" stated Andrew Vigliotti of BleacherReport.com. The infielder is also a plus defender with the ability to play almost all of the positions around the diamond.    


      Schoop's approach to the plate leaves a little to be desired, as he swings at a lot of pitches out of the hittable zone, which lead to his 103 strikeouts in 2012. "Schoop goes to the plate looking to hit, but he needs to learn that getting walked is just as good as a single" Vigliotti stated. There is a truth to that as the infielder has combined to get walked 92 times over the past two seasons.   


     The infielder has a ton of upside, but is still very raw and at least one year away from the big leagues. With this said Schoop is the best positional prospect in the Orioles minor league system, but to be considered their number one guy, he will have to put up solid numbers this season. This season expect a .270 average, 17 home runs, 65 runs batted in, and 8 stolen bases.  Keep your eye on the youngster as he continues to progress through the minor leagues.


Follow Shane Miller @ShaneMiller27 and catch the podcast he co-hosts The Vig & Miller Show on Tuesdays from 7 PM EST to 9 PM EST