Draft profile: Garrett Whitley
*** With the 2015 First-Year Player Draft fast approaching, we take a closer look at the top prospects in this year's class. ***
Name: Garrett Whitley
Position: OF
School: Niskayuna HS, N.Y.
Rank on Draft Top 100: 17
DOB: 3/13/1997
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6'1" Weight: 195 lbs.
College commitment: Wake Forest
Tools
Future grades on 20-80 scouting scale
30: Well below average
40: Below average
50: Average
60: Above average
70-80: Well above average
Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 60
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 55
Stats
G:20
AVG/OBP/SLG.356/.487/.593
AB:59
R:24
H:21
2B:3
3B:1
HR:3
RBI:13
SB:14
Scouting report
Whitley emerged as a potential first-rounder with a succession of strong performances late in the summer on the showcase circuit. He lived up to that billing by continuing to swing a good bat as spring came to the Northeast. Whitley has an advanced approach at the plate for a high schooler from a cold-weather state, and his strength and bat speed could produce above-average right-handed power. His pure speed is his best tool, grading as a legitimate plus. Whitley's wheels also give him plenty of range in center field, and he has a better arm than most players at that position. He has committed to Wake Forest.
MLB comp: Andrew McCutchen
Fun fact: The ring tone on Whitley's cellphone is 'The Man' by Aloe Blacc. He hopes that will be his walkup song when he makes it to the Majors one day.
He said it:"It is pretty unreal. If you'd have told me a year ago about where I'm projected to be drafted, I wouldn't have believed it. It has been a great ride."
They said it: "All across the board, he is a standout. His speed on the bases, his power at the plate, his ability to spray the ball, all those things are top level. As a high school coach, you appreciate everything you see in him."
-- Niskayuna High School coach Brady Farkas