Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | KC | OF | 33 | 35 |
Grades Update: May 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 30 | 45 | 55 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
May 2021 Report
Evaluator: Isaiah Burrows
Age: 25 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 208 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2017 Round 7
RuleV: Eligible
Physical Description: Sturdy physical build from top to bottom. Well defined chest and upper half. Bulky lower half with strong thighs and calves. Near full maturity, little room for added growth and muscle.
Hit: Crouched at the knees with a slight wide base from the right side. Hands stay above the letters; bent elbows with a slight toe tap preload and subtle left leg kick. Average bat speed, stays through with the ball well. Many little moving parts in his swing, struggles with his timing. Shortens his aggressive approach in two-strike situations, doesn't stay back on offspeed. Swing and miss issues plague his ability to make consistent contact. Grade: 45
Power: Shows strides of intriguing in-game power. Makes loud contact when his timing and swing connect. Heavy pull-side pop. Takes fastballs low and inside deep to left field. Added strength and physical tools aid his consistent power at the plate. Shows above-average power potential. Grade: 55
Field: Below-average ability in center field. Struggles reading the ball well from center. Incostneint routes, struggles to make up ground despite impressive speed. Defensive limitations point to a primary left fielder, where he looks more comfortable. Grade: 40
Arm: Average arm strength that lacks the zip and velocity from the outfield. Solid accuracy on throws. Opposing runners test his arm consistently. Grade: 50
Run: Plus speed across the board with great burst and top-end acceleration. Hustles out of the box. Constant base stealing threat. Great strides and quickness translates defensively on occasion. Shows athletic ability to be an on-base pest. Grade: 60
Overall: Hicklen has the speed and physical frame, but his lack of approach and hit tool have held him back to this point. He's showcased above-average power when his swing connects, but he needs to improve as a hitter and defender to stick at the next level.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up/Down Emergency Depth
Risk: High
