Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ATL | 1B/OF | 32 | 35 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 30 | 40 | 60 | 50 | 40 | 50 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Tyler Jennings
Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/L
Acquired: 2019 Draft, Round 18
RuleV: 2023
Physical Description: Very strong and athletic build with even proportions. Broad shoulders and long levers. Not much physical projection remaining to his frame. Has added quite a bit of muscle since entering the Braves organization.
Hit: Wide stance, hands start around the ears and the operation is triggered with a very subtle leg kick. Smooth swing with loft to it. Does use all fields, primarily using the opposite field during his 2019 campaign. However, there is a legitimate concern for his strikeout rate, which sat at 32.9% in 2019. He does struggle against breaking balls and will need to refine his approach to improve contact. Backstrom fits the bill of a three true outcome hitter. Grade: 40
Power: Backstrom's power is his potential carrying tool. He is able to get great coil, which has led to tremendous bat speed and power from the left side of the plate. Exit velocities in high school reached as high as 109 MPH. Power does play to all fields, but primarily to the pull side. Contact issues prevent his power from being double plus. Grade: 60
Field: For his size, Backstrom is able to move well, but he will be limited to first base defensively. Showcases good footwork and agility, which have improved with the Braves. Will be interesting to see how his body progresses, but likely to be an average defender at first base. Grade: 50
Arm: Backstrom's arm is a below average asset. The highest recorded infield velocity in high school was 82 MPH. With added strength, could see a velocity increase. Grade: 40
Run: As mentioned before, Backstrom moves well for his size, showing off great athleticism. He registered a 6.90 60 in high school, which grades out to average. Grade: 50
Overall: Backstrom brings intriguing power to the plate, but the contact issues and strikeout rates limit the potential. He fits the definition of a three true outcome hitter. Being limited to first base defensively hampers him, but the athleticism for his size is helpful.
OFP: 35
Role: 30 - Up/Down Emergency Depth
Risk: Extreme
