Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | CHC | SS | 2 | 55 |
Grades Update: Nov 2020
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 55 | 50 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 50 |
Nov 2020 Report
Evaluator: Matt Thompson
Age: 19 yr
Height: 6-2
Weight: 185 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2020 Draft - Round 1
RuleV: 2024
Physical Description: Athletic build with long legs and broad shoulders. Projectable frame that should add strength and power. Stands 6'2" and is listed at 185, but should be around 200 when he's big league ready. No concerns about outgrowing shortstop.
Hit: Stands partly open with a short stride. Lots of movement with the hands that creates slight bat wrap before exploding to the ball. Hands are quick enough to get away with that. Will use all fields, and repeats swing very well. Develops a plan at the plate and will key in on pitch type and/or location and will be aggressive. Will chase off-speed below the zone, but was hands down best prep shortstop on either side of the ball in draft class. Way more positives here than concerns. Grade: 50
Power: Plus bat speed and hunter mentality can lead to some long pull-side homers. Power is more advanced than hit tool at the moment. Makes loud contact, regularly finds the barrel. Line drive oriened swing now, but that's expected to change. Strong for his age. Only going to get stronger. Grade: 55
Field: Uncanny to be this certain that an 18-year-old will stick at shortstop in the majors but that's what we have with this kid. Plus range with elite hands and feet. Strong feel for the game with internal clock that you can't teach. Will get more explosive as he adds strength. Elite hands definitely transfer to defensive side of the ball. Grade: 60
Arm: Average arm strength but quick release and plus accuracy make the overall package at least above average. High baseball IQ helps with positioning and angles as well. Zero concerns about the arm. Cubs likely to put him on an arm strengthening program. Grade: 55
Run: Not a burner or quick twitch athlete, yet, but should gain explosiveness as he gets stronger. Modest stolen base threat, 10-15 a season, but it plays up due to his knowledge of the game. Grade: 50
Overall: Howard is the highest floor prep shortstop to come on the scene in a long time, and to top it all off he's even a local kid that has had a very successful amateur career. He hasn't been in a traditional baseball game in quite some time with his high school season getting washed out due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he hit well enough in the showcase circuits to ease the concerns. Displays all leadership qualities you want out of a shortstop. Future five-six hitter with plus defense and baserunning. Former Oklahoma commit was an excellent student.
OFP: 55
Role: 60 - Above-Average Everyday Regular: Occasional All-Star
Risk: Moderate
