Orem, Utah —— Entering play on Saturday night, Los Angeles Angels outfield prospect Torii Hunter, Jr. is slashing .362/.412/.447/.859 in his first 11 professional games (47 at-bats) for the rookie-level Orem Owlz in 2017. I observed the Los Angeles Angels’ 23rd round (2016) pick in early July 2017; below is Baseball Census‘ full Torii Hunter, Jr. scouting report, including video.
Torii Hunter, Jr. Scouting Report — Video
Our video Los Angels Angels outfield prospect Torii Hunter, Jr. comes from a July 2, 2017 game against the Grand Junction Rockies:
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Torii Hunter, Jr. Scouting Report — Notes
Torii Hunter, Jr. has the tall, strong, lean build you’d expect of a former high-level football player. He’s extremely athletic with plus speed. Extremely raw in baseball movements right now, too, but there are some positive signs in his approach: for one, he shows a good eye at the plate and isn’t overly aggressive. He’s already showing decent contact skills, though he lacks power. Some over-the-fence pop ought to develop over the next few years with his natural strength. There are notable holes in his swing, though; Hunter struggles heavily with offspeed stuff and making mid at-bat adjustments—both fairly typical for two-sport guys as they catch up in transitioning over to baseball.
Defensively, well, he’s a former wide-receiver and it definitely shows. Hunter cover lots of ground quickly, and reads the ball well. He’s played both left and center, and should be able to stick at either one; both are far better fits for him than right field. Slightly above-average arm, but it’s his raw athleticism that makes his defense solid right now. Hunter should only get better and more nuanced with it as he gets older.
Torii Hunter, Jr. Scouting Report — Projection
As is the case with another recent rookie level scouting report I just published, it’s not particularly valuable to chart out a specific projection for rookie ball guys with less than a dozen career professional games under their belts. That said, Torii Hunter, Jr. will get the full benefit of his raw, exceptional athleticism and natural strength, as well as his likely more developed understanding of the grind of professional baseball thanks to his father’s experience. Athleticism can go a long way, especially in a guy who may yet develop a little bit of power, and because of that more so than just his famous last name, the young Los Angeles Angels outfielder is going to earn some well-deserved attention the next several summers as he climbs up the minor league affiliate chain.
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