With the 2017 Draft fast approaching (June 12-14 on MLB Network and MLB.com), we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class.
Name: Adam Haseley
Position: OF
School: University of Virginia
Rank on Draft Top 200: 10
DOB: 04/12/96
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6'1" Weight: 185 pounds
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 55
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
Games: 58
Avg: .390
AB: 223
2B: 16
HR: 14
RBI: 56
OBP: .491
Scouting report
Call Haseley a late bloomer, but he certainly appears ready for the biggest stage now. The Orlando, Fla., native went undrafted out of high school and hit just .250/.355/.322 during his freshman season at Virginia and slashed .304/.377/.502 as a sophomore. Haseley's junior season has been a completely different story, however, as the two-way player flirted with a .400 average for much of the season and has more extra-base hits (30) than strikeouts (21). Haseley likes to feature an inside-out swing from the left side and has added more power to his game this season. He also possesses underrated speed on the bases. Observers may recall Jeff Bagwell's unusual batting stance when they see Haseley get down into his low crouch at the plate. Though he's been a successful pitcher for the Cavaliers, too, Haseley will be looked at strictly as a position player in the Draft. His arm is thought to be average and more fitting for left field as opposed to center. Whoever drafts Haseley will likely get a player with some hidden potential, as the Golden Spikes semifinalist is just now learning how to hit with power to all fields.
MLB comp: Hunter Pence, Nick Markakis and Mark Kotsay.
Fun fact: After pitching in only four games during the 2015 season, Haseley was called upon to pitch Game 2 of the '15 College World Series against Vanderbilt. Then a freshman, Haseley responded by tossing five shutout innings to lead Virginia to a 3-0 victory. The Cavaliers went on to win their first College World Series in program history the next day.
He said it: "The power numbers are just coming as a product of being smarter at the plate, as well as building up a little bit and filling into my body." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch
They said it: "But I do know for a fact that their teammates absolutely look up to them."
-- Virginia baseball coach Brian O'Connor on Adam Haseley and Pavin Smith, Daily Progress