What are Baseball Scouting Grades?
Baseball scouting grades are a system of assessing the potential of a player’s abilities. Each player is assigned a numerical grade, generally on a scale of 1-5 or 2-8, with 1 or 2 being the lowest and 5 or 8 being the highest. These grades are used to evaluate players before they are drafted, and they are also used throughout a player’s career to track progress and development.
Scouting grades are determined by scouts, who use a variety of criteria to evaluate a player’s performance. This can include batting average, fielding percentage, power, speed, arm strength, and other physical and mental attributes. Scouts also look at a player’s character, attitude, and work ethic. They take all of these factors into account when assessing a player’s potential.
The Different Scouting Grades
The most common scouting grades for baseball players are as follows:
- 20: A 20 grade is considered the highest possible grade and is given to players who are considered potential major-league All-Stars. These players are expected to be among the best in their respective league.
- 15: A 15 grade is given to players who are considered potential major-league starters. They are expected to be average to above average players in their respective league.
- 10: A 10 grade is given to players who are considered potential major-league reserves or bench players. They are expected to be below average players in their respective league.
- 5: A 5 grade is given to players who are considered potential minor-league players. They are expected to be below average players in their respective minor-league system.
- 1: A 1 grade is given to players who are considered potential non-prospects. They are considered unlikely to reach the major-league level.
How are Scouting Grades Used?
Scouting grades are used to evaluate players before they are drafted, and they are also used throughout a player’s career to track progress and development. Scouts use scouting grades to compare players and assess their potential. They also use them to determine which players should be drafted, and which players should be given more time and resources to develop.
What Factors Influence Scouting Grades?
Scouts look at a variety of factors when assessing a player’s potential. This can include batting average, fielding percentage, power, speed, arm strength, and other physical and mental attributes. Scouts also look at a player’s character, attitude, and work ethic. They take all of these factors into account when assessing a player’s potential.
How Accurate are Scouting Grades?
Scouting grades are not always accurate. While they can provide a useful assessment of a player’s potential, they can also be influenced by factors such as a player’s age, level of competition, and injury history. Additionally, scouts can have different opinions of the same player, which can lead to different scouting grades.
What is the Difference Between a Prospect and a Non-Prospect?
A prospect is a player who is expected to reach the major-league level, while a non-prospect is a player who is considered unlikely to reach the major-league level. Prospects typically have scouting grades of 10 or higher, while non-prospects typically have scouting grades of 5 or lower.
How is Player Development Affected by Scouting Grades?
Scouting grades can be used to determine which players should be given more time and resources to develop. For example, a player with a high scouting grade may be given more attention and resources than a player with a lower scouting grade. This can help ensure that players are given the appropriate amount of development and resources to reach their potential.
What is the Impact of Scouting Grades on Drafting?
Scouting grades are used to evaluate players before they are drafted. Teams use scouting grades to compare players and determine which players should be taken first. For example, a team may decide to take a player with a higher scouting grade over a player with a lower scouting grade, even if the player with the lower grade has better numbers.
Conclusion
Baseball scouting grades are a system of assessing the potential of a player’s abilities. Each player is assigned a numerical grade, generally on a scale of 1-5 or 2-8, with 1 or 2 being the lowest and 5 or 8 being the highest. These grades are used to evaluate players before they are drafted, and they are also used throughout a player’s career to track progress and development. Scouting grades are determined by scouts, who use a variety of criteria to evaluate a player’s performance. Scouting grades can be used to compare players and assess their potential, as well as to determine which players should be drafted and given more time and resources to develop.