Often the MLB First Year Player Draft is marked by immense upside from toolsy prep players. This year is no exception with high ceiling prep outfielders such as Jarred Kelenic, Connor Scott and Nick Schnell. But none may have the same potential as North Carolina prep product Jordyn Adams.

Jordyn Adams 2018 MLB Draft Profile

Checking in at 6’2” and around 175 lbs., Adams offers one of the most complete packages of athleticism in the entire draft. Following in the footsteps of his dad, Zeke Adams the Defensive Line coach at North Carolina, Jordyn is also an elite football player committed to UNC to play both football and baseball. With an impressive athletic profile, yet unrefined tools, Adams is all about projection. Top of the line speed gives Adams a good chance to develop into an above average center fielder, as well as an elite threat on the basepaths. The offensive profile leaves a lot to be desired in its current state, but devoting all of his time to baseball could pay dividends.

Strengths

Few players ever get an 80 grade on an individual tool using the 20-80 scouting tool, but Adams is approaching that mark with his speed. Adams has the speed to be a consistent threat on the basepaths, altering games and defensive alignments. While he doesn’t have great instincts on the bases, Minor League development can aid in that department. Similarly, in the field, Adams has the range to be an exceptional center fielder, something that can’t be taught. At the plate, Adams has a lot of work to do, but fared well against top of the line NHSI pitching. With further development and a professional weight program Adams could develop into a double digit home run threat.

Weakness

Across the board one word defines Jordyn Adams’ game: Raw. Hitting wise, Adams’ swing needs some work as he has lots of unnecessary movement and tends to drop his back elbow. With a huge leg kick, the quick bat speed Adams posses is essential in order to avoid timing miscues. For a player whose calling card is speed, his approach at the plate doesn’t maximize his strengths. Instead, the approach is for hard contact which consequently leads to strikeouts and poor swings.

Presently, Adams has some work to do to become an everyday quality center fielder, but there isn’t much concern surrounding his ability to stick at center field. One reason behind the likelihood Adams sticks at centerfield is that his tools don’t quite play at the other outfield spots. Possessing a very fringy arm, Adams defensive profile does not play at the corner outfield spots, in addition to his lack of a large power profile.

Overall

Jordyn Adams draft profile requires quite a lot of projection. At the plate, Adams shows some promise but needs a lot of work and time to reach his full potential. What sets Adams apart is the tools one just can’t teach, especially speed. An interesting comparison would be Trea Turner if Adams can reach his full potential across the board. Both Adams and Turner offer game changing speed, potential at the plate and limited power profile. Turner now primarily plays shortstop, but moonlights in centerfield and both him and Adams display impressive range in the outfield.

Due to his commitment to North Carolina, Adams will likely be a tough sign, to the point where only teams with large bonus pools such as the Rays and Royals would seriously look at Adams. Look for Adams to go in the middle of the first round with the most likely destinations being No. 16 to the Tampa Bay Rays and No. 18 to the Kansas City Royals.
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