Just select your high school grade/year and the position you play. Results shown indicate the ideal metrics ranges of on-track D1 prospects, including hitting/swing metrics, typical size/weight ranges, as well as key defensive & speed metrics ideals for position played. *These metrics ranges are based off the high school/showcase metrics of thousands of eventual D1 hitters.
How defensive value affects D1 baseball prospects
It’s impossible to discuss what it takes to be a D1 caliber hitter without at least factoring in the defensive component. You have to hit to play…but you also have to be able to field a position to justify a roster spot and meaningful playing time on a division 1 baseball roster.
Different positions carry different expectations from a power production standpoint. Corner positions [1B/3B/RF/LF] are expected to provide more offensive production, with an expected trade-off of less speed & defensive range.
Up-the-middle positions [C/SS/2B/CF] tend to have more of a defensive emphasis and come with slightly less offensive production expectations.
For swing metrics, low-90’s exit velocity & low-70’s bat speed is a good rule of thumb for D1 caliber high school seniors [see our free hitting metrics calculator for your ideal range unique to your situation]. Thinking in terms of relative metrics and being within certain metrics ranges…instead of one-size-fits-all absolute metrics and “magic numbers”…we could assume that a Shortstop would have different metrics expectations than a First-basemen.
For example, a premium defensive shortstop with a bat speed of 68 and exit velocity of 87 may not hit the “magic numbers” of low 90’s exit velo and low 70’s bat speed but he’s near that range and his ability to play a premium defensive position put him over the edge.
On the flip side, a high school senior 1B with a bat speed of 68 and exit velocity of 87 is less likely to excite D1 coaches if his only defensive fit is 1B.
There’s a sliding scale at play: the more you hit [and the better the metrics], the more you can get away with defensively and vice versa.
If you have an exit velocity of 103 mph and bat speed of 82 mph, it should be fine if a lack of speed & arm strength limits you to First-base or DH only.
Appropriate metrics for defensive ability?
If you have below-average hitting metrics, swing or production (or some combo of those 3), you’ll likely have to be a true premium defender at a premium position to truly get an opportunity to play. This below-average offensive profile combined with a corner-only defensive profile/fit would be problematic from a coaches perspective.
Is there a clear defensive fit?
If your swing and metrics are truly spectacular, they’ll likely find a place for you, but defensive fit will play a role in roster and scholarship decisions. Having a true position fit based of your defensive tools & attributes [that makes sense with your hitting metrics] will be critical.
Position Profiling
Examples of things coaches will consider: starting with questions on athleticism, defensive actions, speed & arm strength…with a series of if/then questions to determine fit based on trade-offs from a sliding scale.
- Athletic & fluid movements?
- if no, enough offense to offset defense?
- Foot work, hands & defensive actions for SS/2B/3B?
- If yes, quickness/range/arm strength for SS?
- 2B-only arm? 3B-arm but lacks SS range?
- If no, speed for CF? Offense for Corner?
- Arm for RF? Or LF/1B only?
- If yes, quickness/range/arm strength for SS?