Prospects on Deck: INF Stefan Trosclair – Cardinals

The Peoria Chiefs, Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed a playoff run in 2017 with the help of some of the system’s most highly touted prospects. Seven of the Cardinals top 30 farmhands suited up for central Illinois’s hometown team as the Chiefs chased down a wild card spot in the second half of the Midwest League season. The contributions from some of the system’s more recognizable names were certainly beneficial to the Chiefs postseason run, but a breakout season from an infielder not on that list was one of the most instrumental aspects of the Chiefs 2017 success.

Stefan Trosclair was one of only two players to participate in at least 100 games for the Chiefs over the course of the 2017 season, and they sure were glad to have him. Overall, the Chiefs were around the middle of the Midwest League pack in terms of most offensive team categories, but there is no denying Trosclair was the bright spot in the lineup.

As you scroll through the club’s offensive leaderboards, you quickly catch on to a recurring theme near the top. Out of the players that took part in at least half of the Chiefs games (70), Trosclair led the squad in all three slash line categories at .272/.374/.458 and OPS at .832. He also led the team in hits (110), triples (6), and runs batted in (59), tied for the lead in stolen bases (14), tied for second in home runs (15) and tied for third in doubles (18).

The 2017 Midwest League All-Star entered his first full season of pro ball after playing in 40 Gulf Coast League games in 2016 where he also impressed both at the plate and in the field. Taken in the 20th round of the 2016 amateur draft out of Louisiana – Lafayette, the 6’2 195 pound Sulphur, LA native has proven himself to be an excellent athlete with good tools in all aspects of the game.

Trosclair has a low leg kick at the plate with very quick hands to the ball. He keeps his head down through his swing and has no wasted motion. Four years of college ball at a competitive level certainly helped the 23 year old quickly adjust to professional pitching. His solid offensive approach along with his athletic ability and willingness to move around the diamond defensively make Trosclair a prime candidate to move up the ladder in the Cardinals organization.

Related Posts

• 
  Prospects on Deck: RHP – Hunter Brown – Astros
• 
  MLB Postseason Predictions with the Legends on Deck Team
• 
  700 Career Home Runs, Will That Ever Be Reached Again?