Eric Bitonti

School: Aquinas HS, San Bernardino, Calif. Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Oregon
Age At Draft: 17.7
BA Grade:50/Extreme
Tools:Hit: 40. Power: 60. Run: 45. Field: 55. Arm: 60.

Bitonti took tiny Aquinas (San Bernardino, Calif.) High and transformed it into a national power during his prep tenure, capped by leading the Falcons to strong showings at the National High School Invitational and Boras Classic this spring. Bitonti’s own performance was uneven, but he showed impressive tools and finished strong by leading Aquinas to the CIF section semifinals. Bitonti boasts a tantalizing combination of size, youth and raw power that has made him famous since he was a freshman. He is one of the youngest players in the draft class at 17 years old and is already 6-foot-5, 230 pounds with room to continue filling out. He possesses plus raw power from the left side with his natural strength and leverage and drives balls even when he mis-hits them. He has a chance to grow into plus-plus power with added strength and physical maturity. Bitonti’s long levers lead to holes in his swing, which gets long and loopy at times. He has struggled against good velocity and lefthanded pitching, but he’s improved his plate discipline and made enough adjustments to provide optimism he’ll get better in time. Bitonti moves remarkably well for his large size and shows good range and lateral mobility at shortstop. He projects to move to third base as he fills out and should be an above-average defender with plus arm strength. Bitonti requires refinement, but his youth, tools and athleticism give him a chance to be drafted in the top two rounds. He is committed to Oregon.