The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Tyree Reed, a speedy prep centerfielder with impressive arm strength.
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Tyree Reed, Outfielder, American Canyon (Calif.)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Age: 18
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
2018: 22G, .292/.418/.353, 19 H, 0 RBI, 0 HR, 10 BB, 9 K
2019: 16G, .481/.565/.730, 25 H, 19 RBI, 0 HR, 9 BB, 7 K
2020: 4G, .462/.562/.592, 6 H, 3 RBI, 1 HR, 3 BB, 3 K
2021: 13G, .258/.500/.387, 8 H, 7 RBI, 0 HR, 9 BB, 7 K
Scouting Grades
Hit: 45
Power: 35
Run: 55
Field: 50
Throw: 60
Evidently, Reed doesn’t have an incredible outlook at the plate, but he should provide boatloads of value in the field. Given his top-notch arm and impressive speed, he could stay in center field long-term.
Strengths
Reed’s throwing ability is his best tool. He has an absolute cannon and is capable of making big plays with his arm. This is very important towards his projectability in center field, though it would also allow him to shift to right field if needed. All in all, having a strong arm correlates to plenty of versatility in the field.
The 18-year-old is also speedy, though he did lose a step this past season due to a leg injury (more on that later). The bottom line is that his speed could allow him to be a threat both on the basepaths and in the outfield. Assuming after-effects of the injury don’t hinder his running ability down the road, Reed could be an impactful player with plenty of range and speed.
Reed is also a solid hitter with good pitch recognition. His batting line did drop in 2021, but he still got on base in 50 percent of at-bats. He finished his high school career with 31 walks and 26 strikeouts, which is a good ratio. He also has good bat speed.
Weaknesses
Power is Reed’s biggest weakness. He hit just one homer through four seasons at American Canyon and while there is the potential for him to gain strength, he won’t ever be an elite power hitter. Sure, he’ll slug some homers here and there, but this is the biggest void in his game.
As alluded to earlier, a leg injury impacted Reed’s speed and running ability in 2021. He was still quick, but he didn’t appear to transport to the ball in the outfield like he did before suffering the injury. This could be quite detrimental to his draft stock because center fielders are strongly preferred over corner outfielders. Reed still has a strong arm so he’ll be able to play right field (rather than left), but scouts can no longer say with confidence that he’ll be a long-term center fielder. He now has that risk aspect to him, which will hurt his draft stock.
Pro Comparison: Magneuris Sierra
It’s easy to spot the similarities between Sierra and Reed. Both are left-handers with impressive speed, strong arms, fairly secure jobs in center field, and little power. Sierra, 25, ranks in the 94th percentile in sprint speed but just 29th percentile in exit velocity. He’s a career .245/.295/.281 hitter with zero homers over 422 at-bats. Perhaps the biggest difference is that Sierra strikes out a lot more than he walks (0.31 career BB/K rate), though the same will likely be said about Reed a few years down the road given that he has shown that he might produce more swings and misses down the road.
Draft Projection: Mid-Round Pick
Reed will likely be selected anywhere between the sixth and 12th rounds. His arm strength is impressive and his speed has potential (assuming the leg injury doesn’t hinder him long-term), but his bat has been inconsistent at best and he lacks power. He’s also committed to Oregon State, so if he’s selected outside of the top few rounds, he likely won’t sign. That throws another wrench into his stock.
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Main Image Credit: MaxPreps
