Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Thaiss was the quintessential college performer when he was coming out of the University of Virginia, with his .473 on-base percentage as a junior particularly standing out. The Angels saw him as the most advanced college bat in the 2016 class and took him No. 16 overall. A catcher with the Cavaliers, he was moved to first so his bat could advance quickly, and it has, getting him to Triple-A after two-plus seasons of pro ball. He broke through to Los Angeles in early July while adding third base to his resume.
Thaiss still has a very advanced approach at the plate and has shown a willingness to draw walks and work deep counts. He was more of a contact-first hitter in his first full season, but in 2018, he started to drive the ball and tap into his power more effectively. While his walk rate did dip as a result of his efforts to generate more power, he set career highs in home runs, doubles, total bases and slugging percentage. Those efforts also didn't lead to more swing-and-miss, a good sign of things to come offensively.
Since moving out from behind the plate, Thaiss worked tirelessly at first base and has become a capable defender there, while showing adequate defensive chops at the hot corner as well. The uptick in power makes him profile better at a corner infield position, adding to his value in a big league lineup. Statcast - Batting Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 711 95 6 6.3 88.7 15.3 .212 .367 .303 .287 .371 43.2 31.7 10.4 ALL 711 95 6 6.3 88.7 15.3 .212 .367 .303 .287 .371 43.2 31.7 10.4 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 11/19/2019 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Tigres del Licey. 07/03/2019 Los Angeles Angels selected the contract of 1B Matt Thaiss from Salt Lake Bees. 01/25/2019 Los Angeles Angels invited non-roster 1B Matt Thaiss to spring training. 06/15/2018 Salt Lake Bees activated 1B Matt Thaiss from the temporarily inactive list. 06/12/2018 Salt Lake Bees placed 1B Matt Thaiss on the temporarily inactive list. 05/22/2018 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Salt Lake Bees from Mobile BayBears. 02/06/2018 Los Angeles Angels invited non-roster 1B Matt Thaiss to spring training. 11/06/2017 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Scottsdale Scorpions. 07/11/2017 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Mobile BayBears from Inland Empire 66ers. 04/05/2017 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Inland Empire 66ers from Burlington Bees. 02/02/2017 Los Angeles Angels invited non-roster 1B Matt Thaiss to spring training. 07/09/2016 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Burlington Bees from Orem Owlz. 06/17/2016 1B Matt Thaiss assigned to Orem Owlz. 06/14/2016 Los Angeles Angels signed C Matt Thaiss.
