The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Levi Usher, an outfielder from Louisville who possesses tremendous speed but has struggled swinging the bat this year.
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Levi Usher, Outfielder, Louisville
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 195 lbs.
Age: 21
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
2020: 16G, .411/.484/.571, 23 H, 10 RBI, 2 HR, 7 BB, 14 K, 11 SB
2021: 49G, .216/.358/.306, 29 H, 17 RBI, 3 HR, 26 BB, 47 K, 26 SB
Scouting Grades
Hit: 45
Power: 35
Run: 60
Field: 50
Throw: 55
Usher has really struggled at the plate this season, though his tremendous speed and solid fielding help his draft stock. With that said, Usher was projected as a first-round pick six months ago. Since then, he has underperformed drastically as a hitter, hurting his stock immensely.
Strengths
Speed is clearly Usher’s top tool. His 26 stolen bases this season rank seventh among Division I outfielders, and he’s been caught stealing just twice, which ranks second-best among D-I outfielders with at least 23 attempts. Not only does his impressive speed allow him to be a threat on the basepaths, but it also helps in the field. Oftentimes, prep and collegiate center fielders will shift to right field after they’re drafted since they simply aren’t fast and rangy enough. That’s not the case with Usher, though. His ability to project as a long-term center fielder plays a huge role in his draft stock.
Usher also possesses a very strong throwing arm, which is another factor in his ability to remain in center field for years to come. Further, he has an above-average glove and is a well-rounded athlete, making him a perfect fit to fill the middle of the outfield. As for his approach at the plate, the left-handed Usher has a very smooth stride and swing. He is able to locate gaps and exploit them.
Weaknesses
It’s challenging to complain about Usher’s work in the field. His performance at the plate, however, is a different story. After producing incredible results in 2020, Usher has struggled immensely this year. One observation from batting practice footage is that a lot of Usher’s hits are being pulled. This, of course, makes him more predictable and easier to shift against. It also shrinks any potential gaps on the field.
Usher also struggles when it comes to power. He’s hit just five homers during two years at Louisville and has demonstrated a clear lack of power. While 2021 was a potential outlier for Usher in terms of contact and hits, his poor power is nothing new. This is the biggest weakness in his game and further restricts him as a batter.
Pro Comparison: Myles Straw
Straw and Usher share a lot in common. For starters, both are right-handed-thowing center fielders with speed; Straw has stolen eight bases this year. They also lack power. In fact, Straw’s homer on June 16 represented his first MLB blast since 2018. He’s gone yard just three times over four seasons. The two also are just mediocre hitters. Straw is slashing just .257/.329/.322, and just like Usher, his slugging percentage is higher than his on-base percentage. It’s worth noting that while Usher had a lower slash line than Straw has posted so far this year, his strong 2020 campaign provides some evidence that he can be a .250-plus hitter.
Draft Projection: Seventh-Round Pick
As alluded to already, Usher was originally projected as a first-rounder, and some in the community even ranked him as the No. 1 outfielder in the draft and potential top-15 pick. A lot has changed over the last half-dozen months, though, and Usher’s stock has taken quite the tumble. He should still be drafted, and his ability in 2020 to salvage an otherwise poor collegiate career at the plate will pay dividends. Still, Usher is a tough sell offensively. It’ll be his fielding and speed that pique teams’ interest. Look for a club to select Usher in the seventh or eighth round.
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Main Image Credit: Karthik Kalvakuri/University of Louisville Athletics
