Cutter Coffey

Coffey teamed with Stockdale’s Austin Charles to give Bakersfield, Calif., two of the best two-way players in this year’s draft class. Coffey initially projected better as a pitcher, but he made significant improvements as a hitter this spring to become a viable draft prospect as a position player. Coffey is an excellent athlete who impresses on the mound, in the field and in the batter’s box. As a pitcher, he has a quick arm that generates 90-94 mph fastballs with sink and 81-83 mph sliders with late tilt that flash plus. He consistently throws strikes out of a repeatable, efficient delivery and has above-average control. In the field, Coffey has the natural actions for shortstop and a good internal clock. He has plenty of arm strength for the position and demonstrates an advanced feel for manipulating his arm stroke. His lateral range is a tick below average, but he has a chance to stay at shortstop and projects to be an impact defender at either second or third base if he has to move. Coffey has average raw power to his pull side and began making more contact this spring to tap into it, but whether he’ll make enough contact against better pitching remains an open question. He flashes the bat speed, strength and ability to make adjustments to potentially be an above-average hitter, but at other times he takes long, jagged swings that lack timing and balance and invite questions about whether he will be even a below-average hitter. Coffey’s tools and athleticism have him in top-three rounds consideration for most teams regardless of whether they view him as a pitcher or position player. He is committed to Texas.