Robert Hipwell

School: Santa Clara
Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.4
BA Grade: 45/High
Tools: Hit: 45. Power: 50. Run: 40. Field: 45. Arm: 55.

Hipwell is a 6-foot-3, 217-pound third baseman and lefthanded hitter who played a handful of games as a freshman in 2022 before exploding in 2023 with a .326/.497/.701 line including 14 home runs and a 22.7% walk rate. His 2024 season was delayed after he missed half the year with a suspension and in the 18 games he did play he hit .273 /.442/.515 with three home runs and the same impressive walk rates. Despite Hipwell’s lack of playing time this spring, he was crosschecked and scouted heavily both last fall and when he returned to action thanks to his enticing power and patience combo from the left side. Hipwell employs a crouched stance in the box with his weight shifted back onto his left leg, but he swings with plenty of bat speed and an uphill path that should lead to plenty of pull-side power. Hipwell has played mostly third base in college, though he has gotten playing time at first base and the outfield as well. Scouts think he will do enough for a chance to stick at third where he has above-average arm strength and fair hands. After the 2024 season Hipwell played in the MLB Draft League to make up for missed at-bats during the spring.