The 2022 MLB Draft will begin on July 17, 2022. Today we take a look at Cade Doughty, a redshirt sophomore infielder out of LSU and a potential late first-round pick. While all eyes have been on his teammate Jacob Berry, a possible top ten selection, it’s hard not to notice Doughty on the field as well. Let’s take a look at what the Lousiana native brings to the table.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Cade Doughty, 2B, LSU
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 21
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
2020 Stats: 16 G, .278/.365/.407, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 5 BB, 8 K, 4 SB
2021 Stats: 58 G, .308/.368/.546, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 41 R, 22 BB, 32 K, 1 SB
2022 Stats: 55 G, .286/.385/.536, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 49 R, 28 BB, 47 K, 4 SB
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 55
Field: 50
Throw: 55
Doughty has exhibited a great feel for the bat this season while showcasing a quick, compact right-handed swing. He brings at least average to above-average tools and is a good bet to move swiftly through the minors with his ability to play anywhere in the infield. As a contact hitter, he has grown into at least average power and is a good bet to hit 15 or more homers a season while putting up an .800-plus OPS.
Strengths
An immediate starter in college, Doughty has the versatility to play at any position in the outfield which is a huge asset to major league teams in today’s game. He has a very quick and compact swing from the right side of the plate. While he doesn’t have eye-popping exit velocities, Doughty can launch the ball and barrels up well. The 2019 Lousiana high school Player of the Year, he is one of the top contact bats in the SEC and in this draft class. Adding 20 pounds since joining the Tigers, he has continued to develop into some more power.
While starting most of his games at second base, Doughty also saw time at the hot corner and shortstop. He has average range, a solid arm, and quick hands while profiling best at second or in a super-utility role. On the basepaths, he has good instincts and average speed. He is not going to run into many outs on the bases and can swipe a handful of bags.
Weaknesses
While he is a solid contact hitter, Doughty will expand the zone more often than he should. His swing will get long on breaking balls, but it doesn’t affect his overall game too much. The infielder’s ability to consistently make contact helps the high strikeout rate not take much away from his offensive profile. However, his strikeout rate increased to 18 percent this season after it was at 12.4 percent in 2021. This could create some cause for concern once he faces high-level pitching in the minors, causing him to take some time to adjust to each level. But as long as he just sticks to his game and hits his pitches, Doughty can certainly make the proper adjustments.
Pro Comparison: Ty France
Doughty has a similar build to France, who is 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, and they each can play multiple positions on the infield. France also has the same type of approach at the plate as a pure contact hitter with more limited power output. In four major league seasons, his highest home run total was 18 bombs in 2021. If Doughty can adjust and hit at the higher levels, he can take a similar path to France. Doughty is much stronger defensively at third and second, as France was known as more of a defensive liability at those positions, before transitioning to a great first baseman.
Draft Projection: Milwaukee Brewers, Round 1, Pick 27
The Brewers have gone on a run of selecting college prospects with their top picks in the most recent drafts and they go that route once again. Milwaukee doubles up at second base after drafting Tyler Black out of Wright State with their first-rounder last year. Doughty has a similar profile to Black, as they have a similar approach at the dish with solid plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills. Adding depth and having players with the same type of offensive profile in the system is key to success, as you hope at least one of them develops well.
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