Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ATL | 1B | 18 | 40 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 60 | 40 | 45 | 30 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Rhys White
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-6
Weight: 240 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2019 Draft, Round 24
RuleV: 2022
Physical Description: Tall and well filled out. Broad shoulders with tree-trunks for legs. Well filled out upper body. Ready-made body with little projection, long levers.
Hit: At the plate, there is very minimal pre-pitch movement for Ball, he stands tall with a slight bat wag. When he swings, the bat-path starts linear with a slight bit of loft towards the end of the swing through the zone. He shows average bat-speed which will allow him to catch up to premium velocity. Ball has a very pull-heavy approach where he easily taps into his power. He looks to attack fastballs thrown on the inner half of the plate. Pitches thrown on the outer-half are a place in which pitchers can attack Ball because the quality of contact goes down, leading to weak flares that go to the opposite field. He shows an average understanding of the strike zone and will draw his fair share of walks. Ball does have a tendency to swing and miss at breaking stuff, even fringy breaking balls. I have concerns about his ability to recognize spin out of the hand, and how more advanced pitchers with better breaking stuff will take advantage of Ball. Grade: 40
Power: Ball has the power to hit the ball out of any ballpark. He generates average bat-speed and has tremendous raw strength. He doesn't have to sell out to reach his plus power. He has double-plus raw power but in-game it is closer to plus power. He looks to use that power to deposit batted-balls towards the pull-side where he easily taps into his power. Opposite field power is average for him, but that is rare. Grade: 60
Field: In the field, there is little to be encouraged when watching Ball, he is a below-average defender at first base. There is nowhere else for him to play on the field, limiting him to being a potential designated-hitter. He lacks lateral agility and is overall stiff in his movements. He sets a good target in large part due to his huge frame but is below average when he needs to scoop throws off the dirt. In double-play situations the less he has to move the better if he can just be a target at first he is fine, but if he has to make the initial throw it results in failed double plays because of his lack of agility. Grade: 40
Arm: The arm is fine at first, the few times you see him have to use it he can throw well to second-base to initiate the double-play. It is accurate and has average carry. Grade: 45
Run: Ball has a short and choppy stride with a below-average first-step. He will not be a base-running threat because of his lack of a good jump off the bag or general foot speed. Grade: 30
Overall: Ball will have to consistently hit for power for him to be a consistent big-league role player. He is someone who is a below-average defensive first-baseman so the easiest pathway for him to be anything at the big leagues is as a designated hitter and there are questions if he will hit enough to profile there consistently. The power is the carrying tool and if he keeps hitting for power as he goes against more advanced pitchers. This is a three true outcomes profile, and he will need to hit for power and keep the strikeouts down to be considered a bench piece.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench / Platoon
Risk: Moderate
