The Reds have agreed to terms on a $4MM signing bonus with first-round pick Austin Hendrick, per MLB.com’s Jim Callis (Twitter link). That’s a bit shy of the $4,366,400 value associated with Hendrick’s No. 12 slot. A high school outfielder from Pennsylvania, the 19-year-old Hendrick had been committed to Mississippi State but will instead turn pro.
Widely regarded as one of the top prep bats in this year’s draft, Hendrick is touted for his raw power and bat speed — two traits that landed him as a slam-dunk first-rounder on virtually any pre-draft rankings one could find. Baseball America tabbed him ninth in this year’s class. MLB.com ranked him 13th, as did FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen and ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel. Keith Law of The Athletic ranked Hendrick 21st. He’s also credited with an above-average arm, giving him the profile of a prototypical slugging right fielder. He’s seen as an average or better runner for now, though, so Callis notes that there’s a chance he could handle center field at the game’s top level as well.
If there are red flags in the reports on Hendrick, it’s his penchant for swinging and missing and the fact that he’s a bit old for the class, having turned 19 shortly after the draft. Hendrick didn’t face tons of premium pitching in high school, either, so he could have some adjustments to make in pro ball. As with so many high school draftees, then, there’s a fair bit of risk associated with Hendrick but also tantalizing upside. He’ll bring one of the draft’s most powerful bats to a Reds system that is currently lacking on premium outfield prospects.
Kind of surprised they signed a high school first rounder below slot. I’m guessing his age was why
Yes! This is the news I’ve been waiting on. Hopefully they can sign everyone else now.
This seems to be a bit of a head scratcher for me due to the fact that the reds didn’t go for an above slot value guy in this draft
Imagine being 19 in high school
He turned 19 after his senior year ended (or would’ve ended in a normal year). Summer birthdays end up either very old or very young for their class. As a June birthday — I can attest!
Yes June 9th birthday means your the baby of the class lol
I can’t imagine being 19 at all anymore.
Using a comma before either, and throwing “then” in the middle of sentences: unforgivable.
Hey, man. Smoke a cig and have some fun.
your comma usage in your comment is incorrect as well, nicely done.