Brett Austin
| AB | 1119 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .213 |
| OBP | .3 |
| SLG | .334 |
| HR | 21 |
- Full name Brett Chandler Austin
- Born 11/24/1992 in Matthews, NC
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School North Carolina State
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Drafted in the 4th round (108th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in 2014 (signed for $450,000).
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Austin was the highest-drafted high school player ever to attend North Carolina State, turning down a reported $1.6 million bonus offer from the Padres as a supplemental first-round pick in 2011. After spending as much time as an outfielder as a freshman as he did catching, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder caught nearly every inning for N.C. State's 2013 College World Series team and had his best season as a junior, finally showing more power with a career-best .512 slugging percentage and five homers. Austin uses solid swing mechanics and an improved, patient approach to make solid contact. He wore down last season when catching every day, a concern for a more rigorous pro schedule. Austin's defense elicits mixed reviews; one scout called him a "retriever, not a receiver," and he struggled to handle Carlos Rodon's premium stuff though he improved as a junior. He needs work blocking and has just fringe-average arm strength, with inconsistent accuracy. Austin runs well for a catcher and has spent time on the outfield corners in college, though his bat profiles better behind the plate. His production in a year with few college bats should get him into the fourth round.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Padres drafted two prep catchers in 2011 and offered both seven-figure bonuses. Second-rounder Austin Hedges signed for $3 million and has established himself as ne of the top catching prospects in the minor leagues, while sandwich pick Austin turned down more than $1.5 million and went to North Carolina State. Austin had a rocky start to his career there, while roommates Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner developed into first-rounders for the 2014 draft. Austin had the best season of the trio in 2014, however, hitting .344 and slugging over .500 for the first time. The White Sox liked him out of high school and drafted him as a fourth-rounder in 2014, signing him for $450,000. Austin is a switch-hitter with a sound swing from both sides of the plate. He doesn't have great bat speed, though, nor does he have the strength to have a big offensive impact. He will work walks and make contact, and if he can stay behind the plate he'll have a big league shot. His arm strength is just average and his footwork has room for improvement. Austin's receiving and blocking are fringe-average as well. He's a good runner for a catcher for now but figures to slow down as he catches a full season. Austin may jump to high Class A Winston-Salem in 2015.
Draft Prospects
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Austin was the highest-drafted high school player ever to attend North Carolina State, turning down a reported $1.6 million bonus offer from the Padres as a supplemental first-round pick in 2011. After spending as much time as an outfielder as a freshman as he did catching, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder caught nearly every inning for N.C. State's 2013 College World Series team and had his best season as a junior, finally showing more power with a career-best .512 slugging percentage and five homers. Austin uses solid swing mechanics and an improved, patient approach to make solid contact. He wore down last season when catching every day, a concern for a more rigorous pro schedule. Austin's defense elicits mixed reviews; one scout called him a "retriever, not a receiver," and he struggled to handle Carlos Rodon's premium stuff though he improved as a junior. He needs work blocking and has just fringe-average arm strength, with inconsistent accuracy. Austin runs well for a catcher and has spent time on the outfield corners in college, though his bat profiles better behind the plate. His production in a year with few college bats should get him into the fourth round.
