Hunter Dozier: Prospect Profile for Kansas City Royals' 1st-Round Pick

Player: Hunter Dozier

Drafted by: Kansas City Royals (No. 8 Overall)

Position: SS/3B

DOB: 8/22/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’4”/220 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Stephen F. Austin

Previously Drafted: N/A

 

Background

Due to his early success as a two-sport star (quarterback), Dozier was only lightly recruited as a baseball player and went undrafted out of high school. Three years later, the 6’4”, 220-pounder has asserted himself as one of the top college infielders in this year’s class thanks to his combination of size, athleticism and powerful right-handed bat.

Although he plays for a smaller school (Stephen F. Austin), Dozier’s performance this spring has undoubtedly boosted his draft stock, as the right-hander  batted .396/.482/.755 with 25 doubles, 17 home runs, 12 stolen bases and 35/34 K/BB in 55 games.

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Hitting: 45/55

Previously hit from a crouched position; employs a more upright setup that allows him to get his hands extended; plus bat speed; comfortable using the entire field; vastly improved approach over the last year; strong forearms; may struggle against good velocity on the inner half; swing features ideal combination of lower-half strength and hands.

Power: 45/60

Underrated power that really stands out in this year’s draft class; physically strong at 6’4”, 220 pounds; above-average-to-plus power potential; has showcased more pop the other way this spring; easy power to the pull side; crushes mistakes.

 

Speed: 45/50

Weakest tool; average at best runner; speed tends to play up due to overall athleticism and strong instincts; moves well on both sides of the ball.

 

Defense: 50/55

Athleticism has allowed him to remain at shortstop in college; moves better than size suggests; lack of lateral range and speed will eventually force him to third base at the next level; solid glove and hands; instinctual first step.

Arm: 60/60

Plus arm strength; strong enough to handle shortstop; potential weapon at third base; sat in the low-90s off the mound as a college sophomore; one of the better infield arms in this year’s class.

MLB Player Comparison: Troy Tulowitzki

 

Projection: Solid-to-average everyday third baseman; potential All-Star.

 

MLB ETA: Early 2016

Chances of Signing: 90%