Andrew Benintendi

A draft-eligible sophomore, Benintendi's draft stock has skyrocketed this spring thanks to the loudest season of any college player. Benintendi ranks among the top 10 in Division I in batting average, on-base percentage and leads the nation in slugging percentage while playing in the always competitive Southeastern Conference. Benintendi came from off many teams' radars. He didn't play summer ball last year and some scouts may not have even realized he was draft eligible at the start of the year. But a who's-who of scouting directors and front-office officials are flying in to see him now as they realize he may be the best combination of athleticism and production in this college class. A very productive but slight outfielder (and basketball guard) in high school, he's added excellent strength these past two years. He has extremely strong forearms and has shown plus raw power that plays in games, with the ability to drive the ball to all fields but with most of his home runs coming to his pull side. And he does it with a very balanced approach and excellent pitch recognition. He's striking out in only 11 percent of plate appearances, while getting extra-base hits in 13 percent of his plate appearances. He is also a legitimate center fielder with above-average to plus run times and excellent reads and instincts. The only real knocks on Benintendi are his size (he's 5-foot-10) and the lack of a lengthy track record.