James Beard

Beard is the fastest player in this year’s draft class. He’s an easy 80-grade runner, but this spring he showed he is more than just a speedster. Playing in the same area against similar competition as the speedy Jerrion Ealy, Beard showed a better bat as well as some strength in his hands and his swing. Compared to last summer, Beard carried a little more weight and significantly more strength this spring. His newfound strength paid off in improved bat speed and gap power—he hit 11 home runs in addition to 25 steals in 26 attempts. He has a chance to develop into an average hitter thanks to his speed and solid swing. Beard does not project as a power hitter by any stretch, but he has shown he’s can run into 10-12 home runs in pro ball. Defensively, Beard outruns his mistakes for now, but he has potential to be an above-average center fielder with more experience to improve his routes and reads. Beard has some refining to do, but he has some of the best athleticism in the class.