Fowler is a plus athlete with a compact frame with strength. In my views from May 8-10 versus the PawSox I saw him play all three outfield positions, though he showed the feel, ability and instincts to be an everyday center fielder.

Fowler has quick hands at the plate with ability to make consistent hard contact and use the entire field. He is somewhat of a dead-start hitter who could benefit from a little more rhythm in his swing. He can barrel up balls and has strength, loft, and leverage to his swing, particularly to the pull side. He projects as a plus hitter with above-average power potential (20-plus home runs annually).

Thru his first 38 games has a slash line of .297/.341/.564, and importantly, he is beginning to show some more patience at the plate, with his OBP rising from .311 last year thanks to some extra walks, although the walk rate is still pretty anemic, with 11 through 165 at-bats this year. He’s a solid-average runner out of the box out and the speed transitions to plus when underway, which is also an asset when playing out on the grass. He can leg out extra-base hits, with nine doubles and seven triples thus far this season, but he also had 15 triples in 2016 (second-best in the minor leagues). Needs to work on base-stealing instincts and reads, but he has some feel, and with the plus speed he’ll be a base-stealing threat at the next level.

In the field, he shows above-average athletic actions that can make him look like he’s gliding to balls hit his way, and he has the ability to play center field on an everyday basis. He gets good reads, routes and jumps, though in my views he showed some trouble on balls hit directly at him, but he’s got the plus makeup speed to cover some mistakes. His arm is fringe-average, but not a concern.

Overall, Fowler projects as a Role 55, above-average corner outfielder, with average defensive ability. Improvement with his bat will determine his ultimate role in the big leagues, but he could handle an everyday role in center field, which is where I think he will ultimately land. He compares well to current Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner.