Austin Hays Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Track Record: Hays became the first member of the 2016 draft class to make the majors in 2017, establishing himself as the Orioles' top prospect in the process. But his candidacy to win the starting right field job never took off in 2018 after spring shoulder soreness. He scuffled upon his return to Double-A Bowie and missed two months with a stress fracture in his ankle. He bounced back with a decent August (.267/.287/.500) but had ankle surgery in September.

Scouting Report: Hays got away from his all-fields approach, appearing to sell out for pull power and get through the zone too quickly. His naturally quick hands and solid approach allow him to catch up to heat and recognize spin, but he only did that in August when he closed off his stance, and even then, his over-aggressive approach meant that he rarely got on base other than when he cracked an extra-base hit. When his above-average power is a symptom of his fluid, adaptable swing instead of the end goal, Hays has an above-average hit tool, although his on-base percentage is largely tied to his batting average. His plus arm projects best in right, but he can also play center.

The Future: Hays hit the reset button once he returned in August and showed his immense talent and everyday outfield ceiling was still in there. He'll get another crack at the Opening Day roster in what's expect to be a crowded outfield.