The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Kris Armstrong, a first baseman who possesses a power bat from the left side of the plate.
Be sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Kris Armstrong, First Baseman, Florida
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 235 lbs.
Age: 22
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
2019: 27G, .298/.368/.559, 10 H, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 3 BB, 15 K
2020: 11G, .250/.368/.438, 8 H, 6 RBI, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K
2021: 43G, .289/.352/.535, 41 H, 30 RBI, 8 HR, 15 BB, 44 K
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 55
Run: 40
Field: 45
Throw: 45
Power is Armstong’s top tool, and it was on display during a magnificent series of scrimmages this past offseason. He’s also a switch-hitter with good contact and an impressive stance. He’s destined for first base long-term, but his fielding and throwing are still good thanks to his background as a middle infielder and pitcher in high school.
Strengths
Armstrong possesses a lot of raw power. He may have just eight home runs to his name in 2021, but there’s the potential for a lot more. When he gets a hold of one, everybody in the stadium knows it. In addition to home runs, Armstrong is able to use his power to turn line-drive singles into scorching extra-base hits that cause trouble for opponents.
The Florida first baseman also has a very good swing and approach at the plate. He’s much better as a left-handed hitter, and he’s worked to perfect the stride he makes with his front leg during at-bats.
Finally, while Armstrong can’t be described as speedy, he does a good job getting out of the box. It’s not elite by any means, but he definitely gets out of the box faster than most first basemen.
Weaknesses
Armstrong’s fielding and throwing are mediocre at best. His background as a middle infielder helps him out here, but even during showcases as a shortstop, he would react poorly to grounders and occasionally bobble a hit or misfire to first. These examples were from three years ago and occurred at shortstop, where he no longer plays, but it’s still worth pointing out given first basemen are still involved in plenty of defensive plays.
Amstrong has also struggled to hit from the right side of the plate. His power-hitting approach led him to record nearly three times as many strikeouts as walks in 2021, and oftentimes his swing-and-miss efforts would come as a righty. It would not be totally stunning if whichever team drafts Armstrong instructs him to primarily focus on left-handed hitting; he produces a lot more power and hit potential from the left side.
Pro Comparison: Mike Ford
Both first basemen with pop, Ford and Armstrong have plenty in common. Ford hits lefty, as should Armstrong, but can be inconsistent with the bat in his hands at times. Both are destined for first base long-term, too. Any team drafting Armstrong would not be disappointed to see him follow a career path similar to that of the Tampa Bay Rays first baseman.
Draft Projection: Late-Round Pick
Armstrong won’t be a top name in the draft, but he’s still worth taking a chance on due to the pop he has boasted. Inconsistency at the plate and a restriction to just first base hurt his value, but he should still hear his name drafted this July.
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Main Image Credit: Gary McCullough/AP
