Monday’s MLB Draft has several high school prospects who are expected to go in the first two rounds. One is outfielder Maurice Hampton from Memphis University School in Tennessee. Hampton, who has a scholarship to play football and baseball at LSU, is also a blue-chip cornerback. This young man is an athlete in every sense of the word – 6’0”, 210 lbs, and chiseled like a Greek god. Many expect him to go so high in the draft that he’ll forgo his chance to play football in Baton Rouge.
Maurice Hampton 2019 Draft Profile
Strengths
According to MLB.com, his greatest asset is his speed, gaining a rating of 65. This spring, he stole 39 bases in 36 games for his high school team. Speed like this not only makes him a threat on the basepaths but also increases his range in the outfield.
His fielding and arm both received a rating of 55. According to MLB.com, the two areas on defense where he needs some work are “reads and routes,” but for a two-sport athlete, that should not be a surprise. Once he focuses on baseball, these two areas – since they are easily coachable – should develop quickly.
Weaknesses
His contact and power ratings are 50. A rating of 50 is not weak, so weakness is probably not the right word. It could be phrased better as a “less strong area.” At any rate, both MLB.com and perfectgame.org state that his exit velocity is high. This indicates that his hitting has tremendous potential. With proper coaching, and a focus solely on baseball, he could become a solid hitter.
Last Word on Maurice Hampton
Hampton is a complete five-tool player whose natural athletic ability will translate well into the pros. If he is taken in the first two rounds, he will probably forgo his football scholarship. It will be surprising if he is not. Look to see him go in the late-first or early-second round.
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