Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | KC | 1B | 16 | 40 |
Grades Update: May 2021
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 | 60 | 60 | 45 |
May 2021 Report
Evaluator: Jake Martin
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-1
Weight: 215 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/L
Acquired: 2017 Round 1
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: Thick and muscular frame. Done growing height-wise but could still fill out a little bit more. Has filled out a lot already since joining the Royals. Almost done physically but could just add mass with age. Above-average twitch muscles for a first baseman.
Hit: Left handed hitter starts in an even stance with hands a little lower and in front of back shoulder. A little hunch over the plate and knee bend with a base moderately wider than shoulder-width. Stride and swing are simple, just a foot pick up and set back down. Swing is pretty simple, not a lot going on, just throws his hands and twists his back leg. He does a good job staying in his lane and not leaning over the plate, although he will on outside pitches. He sprays the ball all over the diamond, where the ball goes is essentially all based on the timing of his hands. It seems like Pratto's swing would be pretty conducive for making contact but he has struggled making contact as evidenced by his 35% strikeout rate in 2019. He has decent control over the zone, does not chase a ton of pitches but will on occasion. His main problem is his back leg twisting in one spot, it severely limits his barrel time in the zone. Contact improvements could be made by pointing his back knee at the ball while hitting and simultaneously moving forward and driving back knee towards the ground. Another factor could be his timing, his swing is simple which usually creates contact, he might just struggle with timing of pitches, which could definitely improve with age and maturity. Grade: 40
Power: Pratto has a lot of current strength and can hit some balls out of the ballpark. He will not be a 40 home run type of player but averaging 15-20 seems feasible. His worsening strikeout rate (has trended in the wrong direction every season) could be a factor of trying to elevate the ball more and hit for more power. However, his best season came in 2018 where he made fairly consistent contact and struck 14 home runs. Making contact is probably key to hitting for power in Pratto's case. Smart base runner also contributes to extra bags but current strength is the main cause of power. Grade: 55
Field: Athletic first baseman with quick-twitch movements. Has shown above-average flexibility, hands, and range for a first baseman. Should save a pretty good amount of runs. Would not be surprised if he finds some time in the outfield in a pinch. Grade: 60
Arm: Strong arm for a first baseman. Former two-way player. Throws carry with some accuracy. Could factor in at an outfield spot if he proves capable of fielding the position. His arm would definitely play in right field. Grade: 60
Run: Really smart baserunner. Not incredibly fast but understands the situations in which to use his speed. Runs an above 7 second 60-yard dash. Speed could hold him back in the outfield but if he fields like he runs the bases, he would probably take really efficient routes. Grade: 45
Overall: Interesting player. Shed his two-way playing abilities upon entering pro ball but could always try pitching again if the whole hitting thing doesn't work out. Has a simple swing from the left side of the plate but does not make a ton of contact, seems like a timing issue. If he can cut down on his strikeout rate, he would be an average to slightly above-average player at all facets of the game but that is a big if. Good fielding first baseman who could probably play some outfield in a pinch and can hit 15-20 home runs. Floor is fairly high and ceiling could raise with maturity. Will be interesting to see his progression.
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below-Average Player: Bench or Platoon
Risk: Moderate
