Pete Crow-Armstrong is a 2020 OF/LHP with a 6-1 175 lb. frame from Sherman Oaks, CA who attends Harvard-Westlake. Lean athletic build, unlikely to ever bulk up but plenty of room to get stronger. 6.51 runner, has easy gliding actions in the outfield, fields the ball cleanly with a quick release, makes very accurate throws due to advanced fundamentals and athleticism, plenty of raw arm strength, chance to be an elite level centerfielder. Left handed hitter, hits from a slightly open stance, loose and easy swing with low effort bat speed, middle to opposite field approach but has the ability to turn on balls and drive them with plus pop that he has shown in games. Very projectable in all areas and plays the game easy and is able to slow it down. Probably the most polished all around player in the 2020 class.
Height: 6′ 0″ | Weight: 175 lbs
Bats: Left | Throws: Left
Position(s): Outfield
A standout hitter as a prep player, Pete Crow-Armstrong generally draws above-average grades on his hit-tool, but some will also put down a plus grade in the column. He’s shown the ability, both in high school and internationally, to hit quality stuff. His power is a bit of a question mark. Some believe he’s got below-average power, but there’s another set of scouts who believe he may eventually develop average power down the line.
Defensively is really where stands out. He’s a plus runner who can handle center field with ease. His arm also stands out at the position, giving him plus grades on defense in both categories.
Where the concern could be
For the most part the question around Pete Crow-Armstrong is just how much power he will hit for. If he winds up below-average, it should still play as long as his other tools play to their abilities as it means he’ll stick in center and power isn’t nearly as necessary as it would be in a corner. Getting his power up to even average, though, would put his profile as an above-average every day player.
Pete Crow-Armstrong is an 18 year old outfielder who is currently committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt University. He is a left handed thrower and hitter who has a reputation for making lots of loud contact, has shown flashes of power, and can make things happen on the base paths with his speed.
A California native, Crow-Armstrong attends Harvard-Westlake high school. This high school has also produced major leaguers Jack Flaherty and Max Fried. While his senior baseball season was cut short due to the virus, he had been climbing up the first round big boards prior to things being shut down.
Crow-Armstrong is rated as one of the top defenders in his class. Scouts believe that because of his great speed and reactions he will play center field in the big leagues.
Observation –
I found far less pitchers chosen ahead of the Mets pick than I expected. I also didn’t see the primo outfielders going this early. Especially one of my favorite, Heston Kjerstad.
That being said, Crow-Armstrong is a ‘strong pick’ and the best defensive centerfielder in the draft. He has a much better range, speed, and arm in the outfield than Juan Lagares and has the potential of winning 5-10 Gold Gloves over his career.
He also has more speed on the bases than Brandon Nimmo.
Downside is lack of potential power due to small frame, but everybody doesn't need power.
I see him as Mets leadoff hitter for 5+ years beginning 2024.
Air Pete. 👀pic.twitter.com/ILIY2ymade
— New York Mets (@Mets) June 11, 2020
The issue some fans worry about is that the strong glove/strong arm type outfielders are unlikely to make a career out of those capabilities alone. The explosion by Pete Alonso last year made the desire to stockpile power bats that much stronger. It's entirely possible that if Crow-Armstrong can mature to double digit home run production while delivering Gold Glove defense that everyone will be happy, but memories of Jason Tyner and others cloud that optimism.
ReplyDeleteI think if Jeff McNeil, who was skinny at an older age than Crow is now, can start hitting homers, this kid will too.
ReplyDeleteI am good with this pick, therefore.
Agree Reese. My memory of Lefty Matt den Decker clouds my mind - great defense but never hit. I think it is strange that PCA is 6 feet yet they talk about his small frame.
ReplyDeleteAll -
ReplyDeleteIt is foolish to say that any high school player can't develop pop. Most don't, but the body of a 17 year old is far different than a 21 year old under a pro training program.
As Mack stated, it is WAY to early to make long range predictions for PCA, but his floor could be someone like the Rays Kevin Kiermaier who is a wizard defensively, shows excellent athletic ability and hits for "some" power (although his batting average and on base percentage are a bit lacking, i.e. .246/.306/.416 = .723 OPS).
ReplyDeleteSupposedly, PCA has an excellent "eye" so that should translate to a better overall offensive player. If he stays in CF and develops his offensive game, perhaps he would be more like Grady Sizemore? The pre-injury GS was a pretty amazing player and despite a severe downturn once injuries set in, he still posted a career stat line of .265/.349/.457 = .806 OPS
If you take a peek at Grady's first five years in the league, I would gladly take that production from PCA (hopefully it lasts longer then Grady's did).