Scouting report on Braves 2nd rounder Drew Waters

The Braves were long rumored to be linked to Mark Vientos and Tristan Beck in the second round but instead had a former local five tool outfielder introduce the draft choice of a new local five tool outfielder.

I had Drew Waters ranked at 38 on my draft board, and anytime you get a guy ranked with a higher ranking than the draft slot you're picking in, it's a solid pick.

Background

Waters played for Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia. He’s 6’2” 185 pounds and a switch hitter who throws right handed. He doesn't turn 19 until two days before the end of the year and he's committed to Georgia, where he had an older brother who did play there.

Hit

Waters is a switch hitter who shows quite a bit more power from the left side against right handed pitchers. He's a capable hitter from the right side against lefty pitchers but he shows more gap power from that side right now- however it's not out of the question that changes as he gets more reps against quality lefties.

Waters projects to be an average to slightly above average hitter overall with some feel for the barrel and the ability to make consistent hard contact. A 50/55 future grade is possible.

Power

As of right now the power looks more above average, but I think as he fills out he's going to grow into plus 60 grade power. His power is more advanced from the left side, but I think his power from the right side has the potential to come around a little bit even though I do think he'll continue to show more power against right handed pitchers longterm.

Run

The run tool grades out as plus right now. It's not plus plus, and he will likely slow down to being an above average runner as he fills out his frame but he uses his speed well to cover ground in the outfield and make plays on the bases. That's a 55/60 grade.

Throw

Waters has a big arm. It grades out as a plus tool already and is the type of arm that wouldn't be out of place in right field. I'd give him a 60/65 grade here.

Glove

Center field is his natural position and he's a plus defender there now with his speed giving him range as well as his strong throwing arm. He's not a lock to stick in center as he slows down a bit, but with his athleticism and arm he would be a plus right fielder if he had to move out of the middle of the field. I think longterm he would be a 50-60 in center depending on just how much he bulks up/slows down, and a 60/65 grade as a right fielder.

ETA

As a prep outfielder who needs to fill out and refine his overall game it would be foolish to rush him. I would expect him to start in the GCL this year with a chance at the Appy League and then get a chance to start next year with Rome if he's up to the challenge. I think he moves a level a year and on that pace he would reach the big leagues in the second half of 2021 to early 2022.

Summary

Waters gets a lot of grades around the 60 or plus grade. He's a well rounded player who can hit, produce power, run the bases, field his position well, and keep an opposing run game in check from the outfield. There is a lot to like with Waters, and as long as the Braves don't rush him I would think he goes on to a solid career.