Drew Lugbauer

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #29 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/High
  
  Lugbauer's raw power is plus or better, and he led Atlanta's minor league system with 28 home runs, but scouts worry about him being a mistake hitter and not handling consistent velocity.
• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #28 prospect in 2018
  Lugbaeur's versatility was a blessing for Michigan. He played all over the diamond for the Wolverines while providing lefthanded power. Lugbauer continued to bounce around the diamond in his pro debut with the Braves, but his path to the majors involves a lot of squatting in his future. Lugbauer's best assets are his strong frame and his plus lefthanded power. He hit 13 home runs in his pro debut. He produces power to his pull side more because of leverage and strength than bat speed, so he'll have to prove that he can catch up to better velocity. His ability to play first base and a below-average third base is a bonus, though he lacks range. The Braves understandably are trying to develop Lugbauer's catching. His hands work pretty well and he has an above-average arm, but he's big enough that there are some questions whether he can hold up and be nimble enough to stick behind the plate five nights a week. As a big, strong-armed catcher with plus power, Lugbauer fits the backup catcher profile perfectly if he can refine his technique behind the plate.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #378 prospect in 2017 draft
  Lugbauer has some of the best power in Division I baseball, showing plus raw power and present productive power. But scouts worry about whether he's simply a mistake hitter who will be overmatched by quality pitching in pro ball. Lugbauer primarily played third base at Michigan, but his lack of range limits him at the hot corner. He's caught sporadically but never enough to let anyone be comfortable that he can squat behind the plate 100 times a year. When he's been back there, he shown himself to be a below-average. He does have an above-average arm, so if he could catch even sporadically it would increase his value in at the next level.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/High
  
  Lugbauer's raw power is plus or better, and he led Atlanta's minor league system with 28 home runs, but scouts worry about him being a mistake hitter and not handling consistent velocity.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 40/High
  
  Lugbauer's raw power is plus or better, and he led Atlanta's minor league system with 28 home runs, but scouts worry about him being a mistake hitter and not handling consistent velocity.