Chris Seise is a rising prep shortstop from West Orange High School in Florida, who’s name is swirling in MLB First-Year Player Draft chatter.
In 2012, Seise’s brother, Anthony, heard his named called in the MLB Draft when the Colorado Rockies selected him as a prep left-handed pitcher in the 20th round. Now five years later, Seise has the potential to exceed his brother’s draft position, as he’s one of the top prep shortstops in the 2017 MLB Draft class.
MLB.com ranks Seise as the 40th-best prospect in June’s MLB Draft. A University of Central Florida commit, Seise isn’t fazed by the draft attention.
“I try not to look too far ahead,” said Seise about the draft. “Focus on the now with my senior year and have fun.”
A 6-foot-2, 175-pound shortstop, Seise is known for his speed on the base pads and defensively. He also has an above-average arm, which will help him stick at shortstop long-term.
“My defense is my biggest strength,” Seise said. “I’m always working on my defense, and I have all the tools to stay at shortstop.
“I feel like I have a lot of range at shortstop. I also have a strong arm across the infield. No matter its college or pro ball, I feel like I have the ability to stay at shortstop.”
Seise is a respectable hitter with room to develop offensively. He’s already shown signs of improvement, which has helped his draft stock rise, hitting .413 with 31 runs scored, 24 RBIs and 16 extra-base hits with his high school team this spring.
“Hopefully I can keep hitting for power,” Seise said. “That’s one thing I think I’ve gotten better at this year. I’m just staying simple and shorten up my swing.”
With the draft approaching, Seise is doing his best to focus on his senior season. His high school team, West Orange High School, is a strong contender to win a state championship, as USA Today ranks them as No. 16 high school team in the nation.
“I just want to have fun and win a state title,” Seise said. “Last year we got pretty close, but we couldn’t do it.”
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