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: Hunter Greene
Position: RHP/SS
School: Notre Dame (Calif.) HS
Rank on Draft Top 200: 1
DOB: 08/06/1999
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'3" Weight: 195 lbs.
College commitment: UCLA
:: 2017 MLB Draft coverage ::
Tools
(Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale)
Fastball: 70
Slider: 55
Changeup: 50
Control: 55
Overall: 60
Hit: 50
Power: 55
Run: 50
Arm: 65
Field: 50
Overall: 55
Top 20 Draft Prospects profiles
Stats
Record: 3-0
Innings: 28
Strikeouts: 43
Walks: 4
Games: 30
Avg: .324
AB: 102
2B: 6
HR: 6
RBI: 28
OBP: .374
Scouting report
Hunter Greene has first round talent both as a shortstop and as a pitcher, although his future is on the mound. The 17-year-old made headlines early this year when he hit 102 mph with his fastball in a start, although he typically sits in the mid-to-upper 90s. Greene's arsenal also features a slider and a changeup that he doesn't use frequently, but is above-average. Greene also has good control, rarely issuing free passes. Since Greene is also a shortstop, he has tremendous athleticism, something that will help him in the future, both as he learns to repeat a delivery and in fielding his position. Greene is still very young, but has a tremendous work ethic and, despite all the hype and attention he has garnered, is aware that he still has plenty to learn.
MLB comp: From a stuff standpoint, he compares favorably to Gerrit Cole.
Fun fact: When Greene isn't on the field, he is an avid artist, an A student in his AP art class. Greene enjoys the creativity and freedom of expression that a blank canvas offers.
He said it: "Obviously I don't focus on lighting up the gun and doing all this crazy stuff, but being able to go out there effortlessly and hitting triple digits, I'm excited to see what I can do when I get under professional tutelage."
They said it: "The thing he's able to do is continue to improve. I really think that's what sets him apart. If you tracked him from freshman year to senior year and watched his growth in every area, it's steady in every area.'"
-- Notre Dame High School coach Tom Dill