Gordon’s 2016 can be more accurately categorized as steady growth than a full on breakout, but that growth has the former fifth-overall selection ready to debut at Double-A next spring as a 21-year-old talent knocking on the door of his big league career. The former Florida prep product has seen his profile blossom largely as prognosticated by amateur evaluators leading into the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft, showing solid and steady tools across the board, and an altitudinous feel for the game in the field, on the bases and in the box.

In his most recent series with Fort Myers, hosting the Phillies’ High A Clearwater affiliate, Gordon showcased his penchant for hard contact, going 7-for-16 with a pair of doubles. Gordon also showed the aggressiveness in the box that has helped to limit his on-base production some, as the lefty-swinging shortstop swung early and often, resulting in a number of first and second pitch hits but also a number of instances in which he was forced to navigate through his at-bats working from behind in the count.

With a solid feel for the barrel and understanding of the strike zone, Gordon should have the fundamental foundation in place for a top-of-the-order bat to emerge, and he is young enough and intelligent enough to put developmental focus into working more free passes as he climbs through the upper levels.  He should be ready for a cup of coffee by next summer, but is more likely to get a serious look as a big league contributor in 2018, which would still have him debuting at the precocious age of 22. He profiles as a potential first-division regular with the make-up and acumen to tease enough out of his talent to make some All-Star teams.