Brock Deatherage

Deatherage is an off-the-charts athlete with dynamic tools who slipped to the 27th round (Pirates) last June due to a junior season in which he had more strikeouts (57) than hits (41). Determined to rebound, Deatherage returned for his senior season and has had a polar opposite year, slashing .305/.395/.554 with a career-high 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 23 attempts. Like several N.C. State hitters, Deatherage has far too much swing and miss in his game, leading the Wolfpack with 72 strikeouts to 27 walks in 213 at-bats. While he has legitimate above-average power in his lefthanded bat, the length of his swing and propensity to chase breaking balls below the zone limit his chances of hitting for a high average at the next level. His other tools could carry him, though, as Deatherage has elite speed that earns 80 grades on the 20-80 scale as well as a plus throwing arm. Deatherage plays right field for N.C. State because of the slightly more gifted Josh McClain in center field, but he profiles as a center fielder at the next level. Whether he's a backup or a starter will depend on his ability to smooth out his swing mechanics and make consistent contact.