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Born: Molino, Florida
Age: 21 (3/16/98)
Height/Weight: 6’1”/170 lbs.
Position: SS
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Samford University (Homewood, Alabama)
Branden Fryman is the son of five-time All-Star Travis Fryman. Born and raised in Molino, Florida, Branden was a star at J.M. Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida, hitting .361/.436/.426 in his four-year career there. Primarily a shortstop, he had an advanced hit tool for someone his age, possessing quick hands and above-average bat speed. In addition, at 5’11”, 135-pounds, the undersized righty was guaranteed to grow, giving him a projectable frame that would add some power. His defensive skill at shortstop at the time was fringy, but evaluators believed that with some work and continued physical maturation, he would be able to stay on the left side of the infield. The Mets liked what they saw and selected him with their 37th Round in the 2016 MLB Draft, the 1120th player selected overall.
Fryman did not sign with the Mets, and instead honored his commitment to Samford University. He appeared in 59 games for the Bulldogs in his freshman year in 2017. He hit .289/.337/.325, walking 19 times, striking out 46 times, slugging 0 home runs, and stealing 10 bases in 15 attempts. He appeared in 62 games in his sophomore year and hit .262/.333/.342, walking 26 times, striking out 46 times, slugging 2 home runs, and stealing 25 bases in 31 attempts. He played for the Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod League that summer and hit .267/.405/.333 in 22 games before returning to the Bulldogs for his junior year. In 56 games, he hit .323/.385/.407, slugged 4 home runs, and stole 19 bases in 19 attempts.
At the plate, Fryman never added much power. Standing open at the plate, he has slight leg kick and small stride, using a line-drive oriented approach. Relying on his above-average speed, his sprays balls around the field, taking extra bases when he can, stealing bases when he can, and generally being a pesky player to the opposition.
Defensively, he has the tools to play shortstop but may be forced off the position as he ages. His arm is only average, but his speed, range, and quick transfer-and-release give him the crucial few seconds needed to neutralize that weakness.