2020 MLB Draft Prospect Report: Austin Hendrick

 

By Mason McRae

1658333
Perfect Game photo
NAME Austin Hendrick
SCHOOL West Allegheny HS (PA)
HEIGHT 6’1
WEIGHT 195
POS Outfielder
B/T Left / Left
YEAR 2020
COMMIT Mississippi State
SEEN -PDP League 

-PG Showcase

-USA Tryout

-PG All American HR Derby

 

HITTING

Austin has plus plus power and an extremely unique load with a ‘Chipper Jones double toe tap” that helps him generate plenty of power and gives him some rythme. He’s shown in-game power at every event he’s attended and hasn’t lost a beat this summer – putting on a show in the PDP League vs the nation’s best fellow prep players. He has plus bat speed that allows him to turn on anything and drive the ball all over the field. His hands are so silky and loose, he really does a good job of staying loose and ready in the box. The only red flag on him is his ability to hit plus offspeed, he occasionally gets out front on above average breakers and has shown some swing-and-miss concerns that come with a prep kid and raw power. He’s probably got a 50 hit tool and looks like a .250/.320/.500 type hitter with the potential to put 35+ souvenirs in the stands, will he be a 200 strikeout player? 

Possibily, but he’s in the lineup for his power.

 

ATHLETICISM

 He has some good instincts on the basepaths and isn’t afraid to take third from you, but he’s not going to be a player you expect to take 30 bags in a season.

 

DEFENSE

He’s listed as a corner outfielder – right field to be specific because of his cannon. He has the speed and athleticism to be an average centre fielder. The potential is definitely there, but he will more than likely be a right fielder though. 

 

DRAFT GRADE

55 Future Value, currently my fourth best player in the class and the second best outfielder. He’ll be a top-ten pick without a doubt, he should be a top-five pick but with so many high upside prep arms – a small tumble to the bottom of the top-ten is a possibilty. 

 

COMP

Probably my favorite comp in the class, he’s basically Shoeni Ohtani with some swag added to his swing, he also compares to Bellinger. But, Bellinger has changed alot to his swing, including short strides and the fact that he steps an inch or two away from home plate. So the Bellinger comp is gone, but the Ohtani one is about as perfect as it gets.

 

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