BA GRADE
50
Risk: Extreme
Born: Jan. 16, 2001. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 165. Signed: Bahamas, 2017. Signed by: Carlos Gomez.
The Angels spent $850,000 to sign Knowles as their second big ticket signing of the 2016 international class along with fellow Bahamian Trent Deveaux. Knowles is a high-end athlete with borderline plus-plus speed, a solid arm and plus defensive instincts in center field, a position he has a natural feel for. Though several clubs felt that Knowles was raw as a hitter and lagged behind many of the other top players in the class, the Angels believe he has an advanced approach offensively, with good plate discipline, average-to-above power potential and a clean, compact, quiet swing from both sides of the plate. Some scouts had a difficult time gauging Knowles’ hitting ability due to the lack of quality competition they saw him face. Knowles is mostly a line-drive hitter with gap-to-gap power that should increase as the slight 16-year-old gets bigger and stronger and gains more experience. The Angels were also impressed with the maturity, work ethic, enthusiasm, high energy and competitiveness Knowles showed in instructional league. “If he said he could tie his shoes faster than you,” player development director Mike Gallego said, “he’d challenge you.”
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2017 |
Did not play—Signed 2018 contract |
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Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
2017 |
Did not play—Signed 2018 contract |
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Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
2017 |
Did not play—Signed 2018 contract |
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