The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Wes Clarke, a power-hitting first baseman and catcher out of the University of South Carolina.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Wes Clark, First Baseman/Catcher, University of South Carolina
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 236 lbs.
Age: 21
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
2019: 19G, .239/.327/.413, 11 H, 5 RBI, 1 HR
2020: 16G, .287/.406/.714, 16 H, 22 RBI, 8 HR
2021: 54G, .275/.433/.667, 52 H, 53 RBI, 22 HR
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 65
Run: 45
Field: 50
Throw: 55
Clarke’s best trait is his power, and he has put that on display so far this season by hitting an NCAA-most 22 home runs. Primarily a first baseman, Clarke has seen time behind the dish, though he likely won’t be asked to catch once he’s drafted. Still, because of his work as catcher, he has both an above-average arm and athleticism at first base.
Strengths
As mentioned, Clarke’s top trait is his power. He has put on a show over the last two seasons, letting his presence be felt with eight homers through 16 games in 2020 after hitting just one the year prior. He built on that this year, clobbering an NCAA-best 22 homers through 54 games. Clarke is always a threat to hit one out of the park, and this could translate nicely at the next level. He also possesses a decent swing and stride that allow him to build up a lot of quick, ferocious pop.
Versatility in college has also allowed Clarke to develop into a decent fielder. He’s not a flashy first baseman, yet his past experience behind the plate provides plenty to like about his glove. Clarke is athletic and can move around to get baseballs. He also has a very great arm compared to other first basemen. Even though he won’t catch in the pros, Clarke’s history behind the plate has allowed him to elevate his game as a solid first baseman. His fielding ability isn’t what’s getting him drafted, but rather solidifying his stock and giving scouts confidence that they can play him in the field rather than force him to DH.
Weaknesses
As exciting as Clarke’s strengths were, there are also a couple of legitimate weaknesses. For starters, his hit tool is lacking. He does a great job building power, but outside of that, he struggles. In 2021, he has drawn 68 strikeouts, which equates to more than 1.25 per game. Specifically, swinging at pitches in the dirt has been an all-too-familiar occurrence for the 21-year-old. This isn’t something that can be fully cured (after all, most of MLB’s power hitters have high strikeout rates, too), but it will need to be addressed and improved at the very least.
Another glaring concern with Clarke is his ability (or lack thereof) to perform against high-level competition. As good as he has been this season, there is a clear drop-off when he faces stronger opponents. In SEC play this year, he’s hitting just .181 with six homers. That’s not to say that he has gotten lucky or been unfairly praised (his power cannot be denied no matter the competition), but it’s still noteworthy considering he would be going up against even stingier opponents in affiliated ball and, of course, the Majors.
Pro Comparison: Pete Alonso
This may be taking the easy way out, but it’s hard to see how you can’t compare Clake to Alonso. Both players were late bloomers from a power perspective as Clarke went yard just once in his first NCAA season while Alonso hit just nine homers through his first 99 games in college. Alonso has grown to be a top first baseman in the Majors, and who can forget his mind-boggling 53 homers as a rookie in 2019? Beyond the power similarities, Clarke and Alonso both have similar hit tools in general. Clarke is averaging 1.26 strikeouts per game while Alonso has averaged 1.1 per game since reaching the majors.
Draft Projection: Mid-Round Pick
For a lot of players, we hear that reward outweighs the risk. Unfortunately, the opposite is true for Clarke. Despite his power surge, he’s a fairly risky pick in the MLB Draft considering his poor hit tool and tough results against legitimate opponents. That’s not to say he’s a bad pick or will go undrafted, but rather teams will just be more cautious when considering drafting him. He’ll make for a solid mid-round pick and should have decent longevity given his clear knack for hitting dingers. The only question is whether it will be in the Majors or the depths of affiliated ball.
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Main Image Credit: USC Gamecocks
