Wednesday, May 10, 2017

2017 Draft Preview: Drew Waters

OF Drew Waters (Etowah HS, GA): 6'2", 185 lbs, born 12/30/1998

Overview

Hit: 50. Power: 55. Run: 60. Throw: 55. Field: 60.

Drew Waters is an athletic high school outfielder from the Atlanta area. As of now, he's not quite a first rounder, but I am a big fan of his and I believe his talent warrants a first round selection. Waters, a switch hitter, has a broad set of tools that could all grade out as above average, making him a potential five-tool threat. His left handed and right handed swings are not identical, with his left handed swing producing more power and his right handed swing being more geared towards contact. Unless he signs an under-slot deal earlier, his likely draft range is somewhere in the supplemental, competitive balance, or early second rounds.

Strengths
Waters is an athlete, and this translates well on both sides of the ball. He grades out as a plus defender in the outfield, with the ability to man all three spots with above average arm strength. His athletic build is also very projectable, with plenty of room to add strength. At the plate, he is one of the most intriguing players in this draft. His big left handed swing produces a ton of bat speed, and the ball jumps off his bat for deep line drives and fly balls. From the right side, his swing is a little cleaner and a lot more compact, but the bat speed is still there and he sprays line drives all over the field.

Weaknesses
Like many high school switch hitters, he is a bit raw, and the differing approaches from either side of the plate are not ideal. He has a lot of cleaning up to do with his left handed swing, which makes him a high risk pick for the first round. However, past the first 25 or so picks, the upside might just be too much to pass up.

No comments:

Post a Comment