Gavin LaValley

Position: 1B
Level: Double-A
Affiliate: Pensacola Blue Wahoos
League: Florida State League
Born: 12/28/1994 (Age: 29)
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 235
B/T: Right / Right
Acquired: 4th Rd., 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft (CIN)

Prospect Spotlight

Taken in the fourth-round out of Carl Albert HS (Midwest City, OK), LaValley had the DH role for the All-Star game, where he earned MVP honors after knocking a pair of two-run home runs in his three at-bats.

LaValley plays either corner of the infield but spends the majority of his time at first base, and he has the body type and athleticism that looks more conducive to play first base long term. Reports from the scouting section were that he has worked hard over the last season to lose weight. He brings plenty of bat speed in his long swing to get extended with strength, loft, and leverage to his swing. He can barrel up balls and makes good, consistent hard contact, and for the season he’s got 15 home runs and 14 doubles to show for it, while slashing .288/.332/.538 to-date. Looks to be a very good mistake hitter from what I saw, and projects to be an average hitter with above average in-game power, which is a nice combination to have for an athletic first baseman.