The Helena Brewers’ roster is loaded. Not only are several of the stars from the 2015 draft class on the roster, but players like Monte Harrison and Jake Gatewood are in the mix as well. But one player that often goes unnoticed is fourth round draft pick, Troy Stokes. While the 19-year-old doesn’t get a ton of attention, here is a look at why he could have a future impact in Milwaukee.
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Stokes doesn’t have a lot of power and didn’t hit a home run in his 47 game debut in the Arizona Rookie League last season, but this year through his first six games he has two homers (both hit in the same game). His power this season is also shown in his ability to drive the ball in the game. The .881 slugging percentage so far is much higher than the .331 that he slugged last year.
Stokes game is built more around speed and his patient eye at the plate. In an interview earlier in the year, Stokes noted that stealing bases was going to be a big focus this season. Last year he swiped 19 bags in 22 chances and this year he already has four steals in five attempts.
While he hit a solid .262 last season, he showed his patience by walking 24 times and raising his OBP to a strong .363. This year he has already been hit by two pitches and walked another five times. Though it has just been a week, he has a .421 batting average with a .577 OBP. With this patient approach, Stokes is showing the he will do anything to get on.
Playing at rookie league in Helena, Stokes still has a long way to climb, but I wouldn’t bet against him. Even with many outfielders in the system, the former prep-star has a bright future ahead of him.