Peyton Stovall is an under-the-radar pick in this year’s draft. The bat plays for the kid out of Haughton HS in Louisiana. For that reason, he could be a sneaky first-round choice. The Arkansas Razorback commit will have to get into a solid slot to pass that up. Let’s take a look at what he brings to the field.
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Peyton Stovall, 2B/SS, Haughton, LA
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Age: 18
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
High School: 33G – .512/.669/.1.047, 12 HRs, 37/6 BB/K rate
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 45
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 50
There are a lot of scouts who are comparing Stovall to Nick Yorke who was a surprise pick by the Boston Red Sox at #17 last year. While that pick itself may have been somewhat of an anomaly, expect the same when Stovall goes higher than expected.
Strengths
It’s all about the bat. Stovall has a small leg kick and loads his weight very well. His quick hands allow him to adjust to pitches which will benefit him at the upper levels facing superior breaking stuff. He has incredible balance, simple mechanics, and a knack for barreling the ball. The star shortstop for the Buccaneers can flat-out rake. His lower body strength and drive on the baseball have scouts thinking 20+ HRs are in his future. I’m not arguing and 25-30 may be possible with the lift and drive he has in his swing. Stovall has one of the sweetest swings in the draft and it should translate into success as he moves up.
Weaknesses
Stovall has been manning shortstop for his High Scholl squad, but he likely won’t fit there at the pro level. He may not even be playing there at Arkansas where he is committed. His hands are fine and he makes all of the routine plays, but his arm is just not strong enough to make consistent throws across the diamond. He profiles as a second baseman with average range. Stovall’s speed is also fairly average. As he develops into his strength, it will likely get worse and he could very well see starts in left field and first base.
Pro Comparison: Jeff McNeil
The hit tool is there and Stovall should have more power. The 18-year-old will also profile as a slightly above average second baseman which is right where McNeil is defensively. The speed is similar as well and while Stovall won’t steal many bases, his baseball IQ is good and he should be a good baserunner.
Draft Projection: Round 2, Pick 65, Baltimore Orioles
The O’s need some batting help in the infield and Stovall would fit them perfectly. As a second-round pick, Stovall may forego his commitment to Arkansas. While he may not be in the majors until 2025, Baltimore has to take the bat that falls to them here. He would mash in Camden Yards and after the Orioles go with two pitchers, some offense is inevitable with this pick.
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Main Image Credit: https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/peyton-stovall/mGyOTFQmbkWPbxlOPz_sXA/default.htm
