Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | STL | 1B | 17 | 40 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | Hit | Power | Field | Arm | Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 40 | 50 | 20 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Matt Thompson
Age: 24 yr
Height: 6-4
Weight: 265 lbs
Hits/Throws: R/R
Acquired: 2018 Draft - Round 2C
RuleV: 2021
Physical Description: Large, thick human, built like an offensive lineman. Likely heavier than the listed 265. College career derailed by injuries, but has remained healthy since getting drafted. Big chest and waist, strong forearms. Massive tree trunk legs. Makes the bat look small in his hands. No doubt first base/DH only profile.
Hit: Starts slightly open with hands high. Hands constantly moving, bat almost touches his lower back while he keeps the hands ready. Has a thigh high leg kick, with average to slightly above-average bat speed. Strong approach, will work counts and take walks. Steady 10% walk rate at each level. Makes contact at a strong rate. Grade: 50
Power: Easy plus raw power, but it plays down a tick in games due to a linear swing that makes it difficult for him to consistently put the ball in the air. Has spent his career in extreme pitcher parks to this point, that will change when baseball resumes. Average in game pop. Swing made more for doubles. Good enough hit and power tools to remain interesting despite other limitations. Grade: 60
Field: DH or 1B profile all the way. Stock jumps up if DH comes to National League full time. Grade: 40
Arm: Average velocity with good accuracy. Baker used to pitch while at TCU. Grade: 50
Run: Bottom of the scale runner. Base clogger. Grade: 20
Overall: Baker is a launch angle tweak away from unlocking 30+ homer power consistently. Unfortunately for him that's proven to be an extremely difficult task for most hitters to change. The bat needs to reach full potential because Baker lacks the secondary skills to help prop up the profile. Without a change he likely falls into a lefty masher role off the bench. Had a strong ending to the 2019 season power wise, maybe some of that sticks long term?
OFP: 40
Role: 40 - Below-Avg. Player - Bench/Platoon Role
Risk: Moderate
