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Physical Description: Strong,
athletic frame. Some remaining projection.
Hit:
Starts square with his hands high. Utilizes a leg kick early in
counts, but cuts his swing down and utilizes a toe tap in
two-strike counts. Plus bat speed. Explosive hands, but loops them
early in swing and has a longer bat path. Has struggled to make
contact at times. Pitch recognition needs improvement,
especially when facing breaking balls. Has shown the ability to
turn on pitches inside or stay on the ball away and go with it.
Made adjustments to cut down his strikeout rate
during his junior year, but will have to show that those will
translate against professional pitching. Wide range of outcomes,
but for now projects to have a below-average hit tool.
Power: Ball jumps off his bat. Has shown power
to all fields, especially the pull side. How his power plays
will depend on how his hit tool develops and if he is able to
make enough contact. Plus-to-better raw power with the potential
for plus in-game power at his peak.
Run:
Above-average speed. Speed shows more defensively. Not a big
basestealing threat.
Field: Really
strong defensive instincts. Reads the game well and gets good
jumps. Takes very efficient routes and will be able to stick in
center field long-term. Potential plus defender. |
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Arm: Above-average to plus arm. Plenty for any
outfield spot.
Career Notes:
Enrolled at Florida early during his senior year of high school,
which caused him to skip the 2018 Draft. Attended a private
workout held by the Red Sox prior to the 2021 Draft. Was seen as
a potential top 10 pick entering his third season, but struggled
major strikeout issues, particularly earlier in the season, finishing second in Division 1 with 79
strikeouts. Made changes to his load halfway through the season
and improved at the plate in the second half.
Named 2021 First Team All-SEC and to the All-SEC Defensive Team.
Was still only 20 years old when drafted. Did not sign with the
Red Sox after being selected 40th overall. Reportedly had a deal
to sign for $3 million with Baltimore at pick 41, but did not
make it to that pick and did not sign when the Red Sox failed to
offer the same amount. Unclear what Red Sox did offer.
Summation: High-risk, high-reward draftee. Ceiling of an everyday center fielder, but has a higher
floor than you'd expect with his swing-and-miss issues due to
his strong defensive profile, which should play in center at the
MLB level. Has four at-least above-average tools, but the most
important tool, his hit tool, lags behind. Needs to cut down on
his swing-and-miss and show a consistent ability to make
contact. Young for his draft class, very exciting talent.
Links
Red Sox select Jud Fabian with second-round pick (7.12.21) |
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