February 1, 2021

Chicago White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal's rookie season went as expected in a limited 2020 sample size. He registered an impressive .340 batting average, .376 on-base percentage and a paltry .369 slugging percentage with no home runs and 11 RBI over 103 at-bats. Only three of his 35 hits went for extra bases, but the lack of power fits his profile. He hit just eight home runs in five seasons between college and the minors. The lack of stolen bases, however, was a surprise. After 43 steals across 163 career games in the minors, he swiped just two bags on three attempts in 2020. A separated shoulder that required offseason surgery and limited him to just 29 games likely made him gun shy on theft attempts. On the plus side, Madrigal's zone-contact rate (93.1%), chase-contact rate (80%) and 6.4% strikeout rate were all elite. While he only drew four walks in his 107 plate appearances, he posted an exemplary 58:109 K:BB ratio over his five seasons in college and the minors. The non-existent power is baked into his current ADP of 191, but his potential position in the batting order shouldn't be ignored. He hit ninth in 27 games last year, and there's a chance he starts there again in 2021, especially with the addition of Adam Eaton. If Madrigal is fully recovered from his shoulder surgery, he's a safe late-round target for average and stolen bases, but know you'll be getting no power whatsoever.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller