BA GRADE
40
Risk: Medium
Born: March 9, 1995. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 170. Drafted: HS—Richmond, Texas, 2013 (9th round). Signed by: Trey Forkerway.
Not all players develop at the same speed, and Burks has needed time to come around. But come around he did in 2017, when he turned 22 and reached Double-A for the first time. He has been a regular for three straight seasons in the minors but profiles as a fourth outfielder in the big leagues.
A plus-plus runner when he signed, Burks has matured physically and slowed down as a pro, with above-average speed still being his best tool. He’s fast enough to play center field and a better fit on the outfield corners, with a fringe-average arm. Burks’ offensive approach has evolved; he works counts and grinds through at-bats well, making himself a tougher out, and he set the table well as a leadoff hitter for Double-A Tennessee. His natural power stroke is often to right-center field and he’s shown fringy power to this point, playing more to the gaps.
To be a regular, Burks will have to hit for more power, keep hitting and keep drawing walks.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2015 |
South Bend (MWL) |
LoA |
.260 |
115 |
431 |
63 |
112 |
2016 |
Myrtle Beach (CAR) |
HiA |
.247 |
124 |
445 |
71 |
110 |
2017 |
Tennessee (SL) |
AA |
.270 |
121 |
456 |
67 |
123 |
Minor League Totals |
.266 |
448 |
1633 |
253 |
434 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
2015 |
South Bend (MWL) |
22 |
4 |
3 |
44 |
51 |
2016 |
Myrtle Beach (CAR) |
28 |
5 |
11 |
43 |
66 |
2017 |
Tennessee (SL) |
21 |
3 |
10 |
40 |
69 |
Minor League Totals |
84 |
15 |
25 |
164 |
220 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
2015 |
South Bend (MWL) |
82 |
28 |
9 |
.342 |
.350 |
2016 |
Myrtle Beach (CAR) |
116 |
23 |
7 |
.356 |
.407 |
2017 |
Tennessee (SL) |
107 |
16 |
12 |
.370 |
.395 |
Minor League Totals |
388 |
86 |
33 |
.360 |
.382 |
|