The Cincinnati Reds selected West Allegheny outfielder Austin Hendrick with the No. 12 pick in the first round of the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft.
Hendrick, who will turn 19 years old on June 15, is a Mississippi State commit. He is billed at six feet and around 195 pounds.
Hendrick’s 60-grade power is his highest-graded tool according to MLB.com. He has said his favorite player is Ken Griffey Jr., a fellow left-handed hitter who mashed 630 home runs in his Hall-of-Fame career.
His hitting mechanics have been noted to have a toe tap that results in “elite,” quick bat speed. However, a quick swing may result in a high number of strikeouts, which is one red flag of Hendrick’s game that will be assessed if he signs a pro contract.
Hendrick did not have a chance to play high school ball in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling seasons across the country. He did, however, play for Team USA for two summers.
This is the first prep selection by Cincinnati since 2017 when right-handed pitcher Hunter Greene was selected No. 2 overall. Hendrick is Cincinnati’s first prep hitter since catcher Tyler Stephenson was chosen with the No. 11 pick in 2015.
The allocated dollar amount for the No. 12 slot is $4,366,400.
