Maurice Hampton

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #377 prospect in 2021 draft
  Hampton was a two-sport star out of high school who ranked as the No. 35 player in the 2019 class thanks to the upside that came with his exceptional athleticism and a toolset that included bat-to-ball skills, raw power, plus-plus running ability and a chance for standout defensive in center field. The Padres drafted Hampton in the 23rd round, but Hampton made his way to Louisiana State where he played in 13 games for the football team as a safety. He played in 10 games for the baseball team, where he hit .231 (6-for-26). Hampton was originally scheduled to be eligible again in the 2022 class, but after deciding to transfer out of LSU before the spring semester began he is now eligible for the 2021 class. Teams don’t know much about what to do with Hampton in this year’s draft. He played in just five games prior to entering the transfer portal this spring and has hit .163/.265/.233 in 11 games in the Northwoods League this summer. All scouting departments know the exciting talent he showed in high school, but he has a very limited track record in college and will have to figure out if he’s more interested in continuing his football career with another college, or if he’s ready to give baseball his full attention. Because of those questions, he’s likely viewed in a similar light to Mississippi two-sport Athlete Jerrion Ealy.
• Ranked #35 prospect in 2019 draft
  A two-sport star committed to Louisiana State as both an outfielder and four-star defensive back, Hampton is among the most athletic players in the 2019 draft class. He hit well during the showcase circuit last summer, barreling up plenty of high-end arms while showing that he has the necessary bat speed to handle plus velocity. However, he also displayed an agressive, free-swinging approach at the plate that could use plenty of refinement. Hampton has impressive bat-to-ball skills and good hand-eye coordination that serves him well in the batter's box, but because of his muscle-bound frame he can get a bit stiff and will need to make a few mechanical tweaks to make sure he routinely gets into a good hitting position. He has at least average raw power and will likely develop more in the future, but there's some question as to how much power Hampton will ever reach in games. Defensively, Hampton has the speed--he's a plus-plus runner--to stick in center field long term, and he has the athleticism to make highlight-reel plays look almost routine. But he will need to iron out both his reads and route-running ability to reach that potential. Hampton has flashed plus arm strength, but the power of his throws has been inconsistent, and like his mechanics in the box, Hampton's arm action can look a bit stiff at times. If Hampton does get drafted high enough to forgo his commitment to LSU, he could take huge strides forward once he refines his game and is able to focus exclusively on his growth as a baseball player. He has the talent to fit in the back of the first or supplemental first round.

• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hampton was a two-sport star out of high school who ranked as the No. 35 player in the 2019 class thanks to the upside that came with his exceptional athleticism and a toolset that included bat-to-ball skills, raw power, plus-plus running ability and a chance for standout defensive in center field. The Padres drafted Hampton in the 23rd round, but Hampton made his way to Louisiana State where he played in 13 games for the football team as a safety. He played in 10 games for the baseball team, where he hit .231 (6-for-26). Hampton was originally scheduled to be eligible again in the 2022 class, but after deciding to transfer out of LSU before the spring semester began he is now eligible for the 2021 class. Teams don’t know much about what to do with Hampton in this year’s draft. He played in just five games prior to entering the transfer portal this spring and has hit .163/.265/.233 in 11 games in the Northwoods League this summer. All scouting departments know the exciting talent he showed in high school, but he has a very limited track record in college and will have to figure out if he’s more interested in continuing his football career with another college, or if he’s ready to give baseball his full attention. Because of those questions, he’s likely viewed in a similar light to Mississippi two-sport Athlete Jerrion Ealy.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  A two-sport star committed to Louisiana State as both an outfielder and four-star defensive back, Hampton is among the most athletic players in the 2019 draft class. He hit well during the showcase circuit last summer, barreling up plenty of high-end arms while showing that he has the necessary bat speed to handle plus velocity. However, he also displayed an agressive, free-swinging approach at the plate that could use plenty of refinement. Hampton has impressive bat-to-ball skills and good hand-eye coordination that serves him well in the batter's box, but because of his muscle-bound frame he can get a bit stiff and will need to make a few mechanical tweaks to make sure he routinely gets into a good hitting position. He has at least average raw power and will likely develop more in the future, but there's some question as to how much power Hampton will ever reach in games. Defensively, Hampton has the speed--he's a plus-plus runner--to stick in center field long term, and he has the athleticism to make highlight-reel plays look almost routine. But he will need to iron out both his reads and route-running ability to reach that potential. Hampton has flashed plus arm strength, but the power of his throws has been inconsistent, and like his mechanics in the box, Hampton's arm action can look a bit stiff at times. If Hampton does get drafted high enough to forgo his commitment to LSU, he could take huge strides forward once he refines his game and is able to focus exclusively on his growth as a baseball player. He has the talent to fit in the back of the first or supplemental first round.