Cavan Biggio
Early Life and Background
Cavan Thomas Biggio was born on April 11, 1995, in Houston, Texas. He is the son of Craig Biggio, a Hall of Fame second baseman who played his entire career with the Houston Astros. Growing up in a baseball-centric family, Cavan was exposed to the sport from a young age, often accompanying his father to games and practices. This environment fostered his passion for baseball and honed his skills from an early age.
Cavan attended St. Thomas High School in Houston, where he excelled in baseball, earning multiple accolades. His performance in high school caught the attention of several collegiate programs, and he eventually committed to play college baseball at the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, Cavan continued to develop his skills, playing primarily as a second baseman and outfielder. His collegiate career was marked by consistent performance, which led to his selection in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Professional Career
Minor Leagues
After being drafted in the fifth round by the Toronto Blue Jays, Cavan Biggio began his professional career in the minor leagues. He started with the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays' Class-A Short Season affiliate, where he quickly made an impact with his versatile playing style and strong plate discipline. Over the next few years, Biggio progressed through the Blue Jays' farm system, playing for teams such as the Lansing Lugnuts, Dunedin Blue Jays, and New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
In 2018, while playing for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in the Double-A Eastern League, Biggio had a breakout season. He showcased his power-hitting ability, finishing the season with 26 home runs and 99 RBIs. His performance earned him the Eastern League MVP award and solidified his reputation as a promising prospect.
Major League Debut
Cavan Biggio made his Major League Baseball debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on May 24, 2019. In his debut season, he demonstrated his versatility by playing multiple positions, including second base, first base, and outfield. Biggio quickly established himself as a valuable asset to the team, known for his keen eye at the plate and ability to draw walks. He finished his rookie season with a .234 batting average, 16 home runs, and 48 RBIs.
Playing Style and Skills
Cavan Biggio is known for his disciplined approach at the plate, characterized by his high walk rate and on-base percentage. His ability to work deep counts and draw walks makes him a valuable asset in the lineup. Additionally, Biggio possesses a keen baseball IQ, likely inherited from his father, which allows him to make smart decisions on the field.
Defensively, Biggio's versatility is one of his most significant strengths. He has played multiple positions for the Blue Jays, including second base, third base, and all three outfield positions. This flexibility provides the team with numerous options when constructing their lineup and defensive alignments.
Personal Life
Off the field, Cavan Biggio is known for his humble demeanor and strong work ethic. He credits his father, Craig Biggio, as a significant influence on his career, often citing the lessons he learned from watching his father play and interact with teammates and fans. Cavan is also involved in various charitable activities, often participating in events organized by the Toronto Blue Jays and other community organizations.
Legacy and Impact
While still early in his career, Cavan Biggio has already made a notable impact on the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball. His combination of plate discipline, versatility, and baseball acumen makes him a valuable player for the Blue Jays and a promising talent for the future. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Biggio is expected to play a significant role in the Blue Jays' success in the coming years.