2020 MLB Draft Focus: High School Hitters
We continue our look at some of the best players in this year’s abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft by looking at the top available high school hitters. Catch the breakdown of college arms here and college hitters and high school pitchers on the homepage.
Zac Veen, OF, Spruce Creek HS- FL
Zac Veen has a nice swing from the left side that generates plenty of power already, and he’s shown the ability to continue to add strength giving him a ceiling of a potential 70+ grade power hitter. He could end up hitting 30+ HR’s a year regularly in the MLB. He’s got average speed and arm strength and is an average fielder, but the bat is truly special.
Austin Hendrick , OF, West Allegheny HS- PA
Austin Hendrick was probably my favorite player to watch hit at the Under Armour All-America Event. He has tremendous power and was hitting balls either out of the ballpark at Wrigley Field or off the scoreboard in Right Field. Tons power albeit with some swing and miss concerns but he might be a better defender than Veen thanks to having the best outfield arm. Superstar potential.
Robert Hassell, OF, Independence HS- TN
When I think of Robert Hassell I think of an ultimate competitor. He was named the top player at the first ever PDP League and led Team USA in batting average while hitting over .500 with Team USA. He is also considered the best pure hitter amongst all high school players and he has a chance for plus power as well as a strong arm that ranks near the best in his class.
Ed Howard, SS, Mount Carmel HS- IL
One of my favorite players in this draft class. Although Ed might not get the attention he deserves from most mock drafts, he more than likely will go earlier thanks to his across the board skills and lack of depth among middle infielders that can stick at shortstop in this class. Ed has excellent makeup to go along with a strong work ethic which should allow him to have a safer floor as well as tons of upside which could allow him to be one of the best values in this draft.
Tyler Soderstrom, C, Turlock HS- CA
Although it’s yet to be determined what position Soderstrom will play as a pro, he has a bat that is special. He can hit for both power and average and is considered the best player out of a super talented and deep group of California High Schoolers.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS- CA
Pete Crow-Armstrong was the #1 prospect heading into the summer showcase circuit last summer and although his draft stock took a bit of a tumble, he was working his way back up boards this spring before the season ended abruptly. Crow-Armstrong is considered the best defensive outfielder in the class and has a chance to be a plus hitter in time.
Blaze Jordan, 3B/1B, DeSoto Central HS- MS
Blaze first broke out onto the scene via YouTube highlights but he became an even bigger name after winning the High School Home Run Derby Contest at the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby event in Cleveland. Known for having tons of power, he’s also a very skilled hitter with an all fields approach that performed well at the Under Armour All-America Game despite being one of the youngest players. Originally a member of the 2021 draft class he decided to reclassify and be draft eligible for 2020 making him one of the youngest players in this year’s draft.
Jordan Walker, 3B, Decatur HS- GA
Jordan Walker is known for his power hitting ability and he first caught my eye while watching him play in the PDP All-Star Game in Cleveland. He has a good feel for hitting and was at one point considered the best high school hitter in the country by Perfect Game USA.
Drew Romo, C, The Woodlands HS- TX
Drew Romo was an absolute revelation to me when I first saw him at the Under Armour scout day. Romo stands out for having one of the strongest arms I saw last summer and possibly the best arm behind the plate I’ve ever seen from a Catcher at the high school level. He’s also a plus defender which wouldn’t surprise me if he won a few gold gloves someday. Romo also offers offensive ability as a switch hitter with a good knowledge of the strike zone.
Kevin Parada, C, Loyola HS- CA
I absolutely love watching clips of Kevin Parada hitting. He does a great job of barreling balls and it seems like the ball just jumps off of his bat. It’s yet to be determined whether or not Parada will stick at catcher but he has the offensive ability to perform well wherever he ends up. He started moving up teams draft boards a lot this spring before the season ended.
HERE ARE A FEW PLAYERS I LIKED THAT JUST MISSED THE TOP 10 BUT HAVE TONS OF POTENTIAL TO BE FUTURE STARS
Catchers
Corey Collins, North Gwinnett HS- GA
Middle Infielders
Drew Bowser, Harvard-Westlake HS- CA
*Cade Horton, Norman HS- OK
Colt Keith, Biloxi HS- MS
Carson Tucker, Mountain Pointe HS- AZ
*Masyn Winn, Kingwood HS- TX
Corner Infielders
*Tanner Witt, 3B/RHP, Episcopal HS- TX
Outfielders
Owen Caissie, Notre Dame HS- Canada
David Calabrese, St. Elizabeth HS- Canada
Dylan Crews, Lake Mary HS- FL
Chase Davis, Franklin HS- CA
Isaiah Greene, Corona HS- CA
Petey Halpin, Mira Costa HS- CA
Kalai Rosario, Waiakea HS- HI
*Player qualifies as both hitter and pitcher
