Brent Keys Stats & Scouting Report

AB	1730
AVG	.299
OBP	.381
SLG	.357
HR	9

Full name Brent A. Keys
Born 07/14/1990 in Simi Valley, CA
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Simi Valley
Drafted in the 17th round (518th overall) by the Miami Marlins in 2009.

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Keys has been hampered by hamstring issues since signing five years ago, with the latest setback coming last spring and costing him the first month of the season. He still captured his second consecutive batting crown by hitting .346 in the Florida State League. Keys uses a quiet approach, gets the barrel to the ball and rarely misses his pitch. He's a great bat-handler and accomplished bunter. He's a plus runner when his legs are healthy, though hammy issues have limited his speed to average or below. He lacks the elite range of most big league center fielders, but when healthy covers enough ground to play the position. His arm is average to a tick below and he may be a better fit in left. He should open the year at Double-A Jacksonville.
A national Punt, Pass & Kick champion as a 15-year-old, Keys hasn't been able to fully show off his athleticism as a pro. Hampered by chronic hamstring injuries, he logged just 539 at-bats over his first three seasons. After devoting himself to strengthening his legs before the 2012 season, he stayed on the field long enough to capture the South Atlantic League batting crown (.335), though he again missed time with hamstring problems. An above-average hitter who manages his at-bats well, Keys keeps his swing short with little wasted movement. He gets the bat head through the hitting zone quickly and uses the entire field. He lacks the strength to turn on the ball and has little home run power. He profiles as a No. 2 hitter who's happy to take what the pitcher gives him and covers the plate well. He will take a walk, drop a bunt or spray the ball and run. When Keys' legs are healthy, he's a plus runner who can steal bases. An average center fielder, he has above-average range, gets good jumps and takes the right angles. His arm is solid. Keys is a dirtbag with great all-around instincts for the game. He'll advance to high Class A to begin 2013.