Dru Baker

Baker’s consistent ability to hit is why teams will spend a lot of time figuring out where he can play defensively. He’s been a valuable table setter for the Red Raiders for three seasons. He has hit .330/.407/.478 for his three years at Texas Tech and hit .356/.420/.502 in 2021. Baker has solid adjustability to his swing, and he uses the entire field. With above-average bat speed and good timing, Baker should be an above-average pro hitter. He has well below-average power. Despite a strong frame, he rarely threatens outfield fences. Defensively, Baker has played everywhere. Baker immediately stepped into Texas Tech’s lineup at shortstop as a true freshman. He then moved to third base. But for 2020 and 2021, he moved to the outfield, playing left and right field. Baker does not fit in pro ball as a corner outfielder, since his game lacks power. He’s fringe-average defensively in the outfield—he sometimes struggles to get back on balls over his head, even though he’s an above-average runner. At third base, he handled balls hit at him, even if he didn’t look fluid doing it, but his range was limited. He has average arm strength, but it played better in the infield, as his accuracy is sometimes lacking in the outfield. His best pro position may end up being second base, but a team picking him is betting on the bat. Baker is a gamer who has shown he’ll play wherever he’s needed, so there’s a reasonable hope he may work his way into finding a playable defensive home.