I should be better about birthdays.
Happy 24th birthday to Max Ferguson.
Ferguson was born on August 23, 1999 in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended the University of Tennessee & was drafted in the 5th round in 2021 by the San Diego Padres, receiving a $324,100 signing bonus.
On August 2, 2022, Ferguson was traded along with Corey Rosier, Eric Hosmer & cash for Jay Groome. Jay Groome has pitched 112 innings over 24 starts for the El Paso Chihuahuas this season with an 8.20 ERA.
Ferguson was assigned to high-A Greenville. He had an interesting remainder of the season...getting 13 hits, but walking 21 times. He stole 6 bases without being caught. He had a slug-heavy .616 OPS for San Diego's A+ team, the Fort Wayne Tin Caps, & a walk heavy .618 OPS for Greenville.
This season, the 6'0 Ferguson, who throws righty & bats lefty, has played all over the infield & outfield, but mostly at 2B for Greenville. He is slashing .235/.356/.338 for a .694 OPS, & a 99 wRC+. Ferguson has 28 steals & has been only caught 4 times. He has walked 15.5% of the time & struck out 27%.
It is hard to see him progressing to the Majors if he cannot reduce his strikeout rate while also increasing his pop (.083 ISO). To me he currently projects as a faster Ryan Fitzgerald - utility guy who is competent but still in AAA at 29. But I enjoy watching fast people play & do fast people stuff, so I welcome his presence in our Minor League System.
So once again, Happy Birthday Max!
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