Kody Clawson | June 2nd, 2019
Brett Baty, 3B, Lake Travis High School
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210
Age: 19
Bats: L
Throws: R
Scouting grades (according to mlb.com): Hit: 55, Power: 55, Run: 40, Arm: 60, Field: 45, Overall: 55
Brett Baty is one of the better all-around bats in the draft this year. Coming from Lake Travis High School in Texas, he played multiple sports and is committed to the University of Texas to play baseball. He is comparable to fellow Texas product Josh Jung, having some of the best power in the draft, but he is probably already a better all-around hitter. If he does decide to play college ball, he will be eligible to return to the draft in 2021 as a sophomore.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbP6H3vlIYM]
Strengths:
As already stated, he has a plus power bat. His power is generated from bat speed, physical strength, and a swing path that easily generates loft on the ball. Despite this, he is a well-rounded hitter, having plus contact skills. He shows some patience at the plate, doesn’t get fooled by breaking pitches, and doesn’t have to sell out his swing to generate power. He’s athletic and has a powerful throwing arm, and if he can continue to develop his body, he should be able to stick at third base.
Weaknesses:
He is going to have to work on that body, though. A big, thick frame, he doesn’t currently show the agility and range necessary to stick at the third base position. He also clocks in below average in his running times. While he’s still seen as a plus athlete, his frame and lack of speed and range could hamper him from playing anywhere other than first base in the future.
Overview:
Baty’s hit tool and raw power are the carrying features of his draft profile, and he shows enough natural talent with those tools to be worthy of a mid-first round pick. He’s athletic enough that if he works on his body and his agility, he could stick at third base. Even if he doesn’t, the bat is enough to carry him at first.
Draft Prediction: Round 1, Pick 20 – Seattle Mariners
To be honest, the only reason he would make it this far is because he will be 19 ½ on draft day and several are worried about the age. If the Texas Rangers aren’t concerned about that, he might go to them at number eight as the home-state kid. Still, I think we could potentially see him slide to here, where the Mariners would be more than happy to scoop him up.
Check out our other Draft Previews:
Andrew Vaughn | Will Wilson | Jackson Rutledge | Hunter Bishop | JJ Bleday | Kameron Misner | Logan Davidson| Seth Johnson | Bobby Witt Jr. | Josh Jung|Adley Rutschman |Daniel Espino|Nick Lodolo|Kody Hoese| Matthew Allan|C.J. Abrams| Riley Greene|Corbin Carroll|Bryson Stott| Shea Langeliers|
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Main Image Credit: https://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=449715
