Los Angeles Dodgers INF Matt Beaty Scouting Report, January 2018

Low set hands to start with open stance at the plate; closes off with stride to pitch; tall and relaxed stance with good sized leg kick; jumps out to attack the ball and will hit to all fields, though he gets pull happy at times. At his best in going the other way to left-center field power alley when pitched away; mature approach with adjustments Above-average bat speed with some upper-cut in stroke to hit the ball in the air with authority. Thus far, has been an over-achiever at the plate in his career with gap-to-gap line drive feel and some sneaky over-the-fence pop that has quickly developed over the last few years. Good strike zone discipline and surprisingly good contact skills considering his power; will need to more consistently draw walks and tends to get over-agressive in approach, but knack for putting the barrel on the ball and putting the ball in play with authority.

Good raw power with upper-cut swing that has him hitting the ball in the air with authority. Above-average bat speed and ability to attack the ball and do damage. Good physical strength helps him with leverage to lift the ball; nearly at final physical development stage with little growth left, but enough raw strength here to hit his fair share of doubles and home runs. Profiles well as a power-hitting bench/utility man who could be carried forward by in-game power and versatility in position. Power should prove valuable as a likely future pinch-hitter/bench man on 25-man roster.

Moved all over the field in his professional career; corner infielder with a bit of work in the outfield corners, as well. Unremarkable at all positions — not a phenomenal overall athlete — but more than does the job in utility role/short stints at both third base and first base. Better natural feel for first base than the hot corner; lacking lateral movement and foot speed to play third base on a daily basis, but versatility with feel for multiple positions will keep him valuable in bench/utility role. Unremarkable defensively, but not so bas as to be a liability there, either.

Slightly below-average arm strength from all points on the field; lacks velocity and carry on throws despite good physical size. But as with glove, tool will survive well enough in versatile defensive roles moving around the field and shouldn’t prove to be a liability defensively wherever he plays.

Had him on a 4.81 first base turn at AFL; 8.28 home to second time there, too. Not a great runner with below-average foot speed and heavy, plodding feet, but good enough athleticism on bases to anticipate situations and run intelligently enough considering role/profile. Speed will be good enough to work in outfield corners for bench/utility stints, too, despite being generally below-average.

Under the radar organizational guy who has come on very strong the last couple years with consistent, productive on-field numbers. Turned into a bona fide prospect with ability to be flexible defensively and play multiple positions; hit tool and power should prove to be carrying tools towards big leagues with likely future role in a utility/bench gig with some flexibility — something the Los Angeles Dodgers aren’t afraid to do with their bench guys. Could fit in as a nice up-and-down piece with the big league club in another year or two.

Good hitter with sneaky power and surprisingly strong contact skills but lacking in athleticism and without a true defensive position at the big league level. He seems destined for a bench/super utility role with consistent pinch-hit at-bats at the big league level thanks to significant value in his bat and the ability to move around the field as necessary. As loaded as the Los Angeles Dodgers are right now at infield corners and with starting outfielders, Matt Beaty could find a productive role as an over-achieving bench/utility guy at ceiling beginning at some point in 2018, with a floor in an up-and-down role over the next several seasons. He has thus far risen to a notable position within an organization carrying quite a few front-line prospects ahead of him, and another productive summer in 2018 with Triple-A Oklahoma City would go a long way to solidifying a nice big league future for Matt Beaty with the Los Angeles Dodgers. MLB ETA: 2018.