Nico Hoerner
| Evaluator: | Spencer Hansen |
| Report Date: | May 14th, 2018 |
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Though he was undrafted out of high school, after a solid sophomore campaign and an impressive performance in the Cape Cod League, Hoerner has shot up draft boards this spring. There isn’t a single tool in his arsenal that carries the profile, but Hoerner does everything well enough to be a potential average big leaguer in the middle of the infield. Hoerner has an advanced approach at the plate, with good bat-to-ball skills, and a compact, level stroke that allows him to spray the ball to all fields. During last weekend’s series against Oregon State, he did show some vulnerability to breaking pitches, occasionally stepping in the bucket, and allowing his front hip to leak open. Hoerner does have some pop though it’s mostly to the gaps, with limited over the fence potential. Defensively, Hoerner has clean actions, and shows some range to the six-hole, but he could be better suited at second base due to a lack of arm strength. Hoerner has above average raw speed, which allows him to take the extra base while also helping him to steal 13 bases this season. Regardless of whether Hoerner is able to remain at shortstop or will need to move to second base, his advanced approach and hand-eye coordination should allow the bat to play at the next level. With collegiate hitters representing a premium in the draft, Hoerner has potential to come off the board late on day one, or early on day two. |
