Scouting Grades

Definition

Scouting grades have been a staple of MLB.com's prospect coverage for years, and they generally match how clubs grade players as well.

Players are graded on a 20-80 scale: 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average. When discussing prospects, the most important number is the future overall grade, an all-encompassing number on the 20-80 scale that signifies what each player is projected to ultimately be in the big leagues.

A future overall grade of 65 or better is for a player who could develop into a future impact Major Leaguer, perhaps an All-Star-caliber standout. (Note: Some clubs use a 2-8 scale -- as opposed to 20-80 -- which is basically the same thing but without half-grades.)