Anderson has good athleticism that shows up most consistently in his defensive play.  He’s an above-average defender with good range, reliable hands, and a strong arm.  He’s versatile enough to have also played some second base and outfield, which increases his chances of making the major leagues as a utility player if the bat doesn’t fully come around.

That said, Anderson has shown some promise at the plate.  He appears to have added some strength, and while those long levers sometimes make it hard for him to keep his swing in sync on a consistent basis, it translates to good leverage and impressive raw power when it all comes together.  It’s something we see pretty consistently in BP, but it has also shown up in games here in Arizona.  Anderson hit one of the longest home runs I have seen so far this year, hitting one well out beyond the left-center field wall, deep on to the berm and landing near the light fixture just in front of the concourse.  Almost as impressive was a pitch where he was a bit early, had to adjust, and swinging off  his front foot, he still shot it over the head of the left fielder for a double.

It’s that power potential combined with plus defensive skills that makes him enticing as a potential starting third baseman down the road.  I am not sure Anderson will ever hit for high average, as the swing can occasionally get long, but he does show good pitch recognition and, at times, the discipline to lay off pitches outside the zone.  Should that patience become more consistent, it will help him draw some walks to supplement his OBP but, just as importantly, it can help him tap into that raw power by allowing him to wait for those pitches that he can drive.  Anderson does show good feel for the barrel, and I think it’s just a matter of him gaining consistency with his approach and his swing.  If he can do that, then I don’t see any reason why he can’t provide 20-home run power with strong defense at the hot corner, and while he won’t steal bases, Anderson does have enough speed to be an asset once he gets on.  That kind of player should be able to work his way into a starting lineup, but if not, Anderson’s athleticism, raw power, and versatility may make him a useful bench player if he does not reach his ceiling.