It’s all of the other things for me when it comes to where he ultimately ends up long-term. I just see the range being a factor, the stiff hips, the inability to cut off in the betweeners, not being comfortable or fluid fielding to his hand side, etc etc. the list goes on for why I think he’s just better suited for 2B, even if Gunnar eventually outgrows third, which I am not convinced that he does but time will tell.
I don’t think that it devalues JH if he ends up a career 2B. I see a Robinson Cano career for him, which, would be pretty damn amazing and make him a HoF player in my eyes. There’s a lot to like about him as a 20 year old prospect (obviously) but I just don’t see the physical makeup for an ideal ML SS, especially when the O’s have prioritized defense at the position and have internal options who are far and away better defensively there. He’s going to improve but I just don’t see him ever being a good defensive SS.