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2019 MLB Draft Profile: Riley Greene

One of the top pure hitters in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene figures to come off the board early in the first round.

Photo by @samantha2144cpd/Twitter

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 190 pounds

High School: Hagerty High School

Commitment: Florida

2019 MLB Draft Profile

Riley Greene is an 18-year-old outfielder from Oviedo, Florida and plays his high school baseball for Hagerty High School. This past week, he was selected as the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. One of the top pure hitters in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene also played with FTB Baseball and spent some time with the U.S.A. National Team. He was selected to play in the Perfect Game and Under Armour All-American Games.

According to Perfect Game, Greene was the third-ranked prospect and the top ranked outfielder in the 2019 class. He’s committed to the University of Florida.

At 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Greene has a long, athletic frame and is one of the best bats in this draft. He can spray the ball to all fields and not sacrifice contact for power.

Scouts have complimented Greene for how advanced he is at the plate—he’s a very intelligent hitter at the dish and can drive to the all fields with power.

Greene is also among the fastest outfielders in the 2019 draft class, clocked running a 6.62 60-yard dash. His defense is okay, but it is unclear what position he’d play at the highest level. His bat will carry him through the minors, regardless.

Strengths

  • Great raw power
  • Great bat speed
  • Drives ball to all fields
  • Does chase many pitches outside the zone
  • Run producer
  • Draws a lot of walks
  • Still has a lot of room to grow
  • Makes accurate throws

Weaknesses

  • Average arm
  • Below average runner
  • Doesn’t have range to play center field
  • May end up moving to first base
  • Hasn’t tapped into his raw power yet

Pro Comparison: Cody Bellinger

Projection: Top 10 pick

Bottom Line

The Miami Marlins have one of the worst MLB offenses, averaging only three runs per game. They lack pop and fail to deliver at key scoring opportunities. The Marlins really need to add some top hitting prospects in their farm system that will eventually help the big club’s offense.

With the fourth pick of the 2019 MLB Draft, the Marlins should consider taking Riley Greene is to plug the middle of the order and become one of their main run producers. He has all the hitting tools to be very success at the next level. Greene may take more time in the minor leagues than a college bat, but he’d be worth the wait.