Cory Acton Stats & Scouting Report

AB	371
AVG	.264
OBP	.381
SLG	.35
HR	6

Full name Cory Robert Acton
Born 03/22/1999 in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Georgia
Drafted in the 9th round (275th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2022 (signed for $2,500).

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Acton began his college career at Florida before transferring to Georgia after the 2021 season. He’s been an SEC regular at second base for four years and has been solid throughout his career. He doesn’t have big tools but has a good feel for the game and can do a little bit of everything. The lefthanded hitter has a disciplined approach at the plate and is a steady defender, who’s best at second base but could also serve in a utility role.

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Draft Prospects

Acton had a highly regarded bat coming out of high school, when he ranked as the No. 147 prospect in the 2018 class. He hit in the middle of a talented American Heritage lineup that included Mark Vientos and Triston Casas and scouts expected him to be an immediate producer if he got to campus at Florida. He didn’t quite live up to expectations during his first season in Gainesville, hitting .251/.353/.387 and showing more swing-and-miss than expected. Teams thought he would control the zone better than a 21-percent strikeout rate, though he did show above-average power—particularly to the pull side. As an offensive-oriented second baseman, Acton needed a strong season as a draft-eligible sophomore to move the needle but was hitting just .192/.364/.269 through 15 games this spring, with a strikeout rate over 30 percent. Scouts have seen him add a leg kick at the plate and note that he’s out in front frequently and has had issues recognizing offspeed offerings. Some evaluators believe he needs a complete swing change to get back to his hitting roots. Defensively, Acton is a below-average runner who can make the routine plays and turn a double play at second, but he doesn’t project to be anything more than adequate at the position. He has average arm strength. His value comes from the bat, and so far he hasn’t produced in college. He could return to Florida for the 2021 season.
Acton is an advanced high school hitter who has been on the national scene for years, hitting in the middle of an American Heritage lineup that has included Mark Vientos--a second-round selection in 2017--and Triston Casas, who is a likely first-rounder in 2018. Acton isn't simply a prospect who's gotten attention because of the players around him, however, as his hitting ability and plate discipline stacks up with the top prep hitters in the class. Acton has good bat speed and natural timing at the plate, with the rhythm and barrel awareness that allows him to lace hard line drives all over the field. His hands are quiet and he's explosive to the ball with a compact swing that allows him to consistently be on time against both premium velocity and offspeed offerings. Where Acton fits defensively is the biggest question, as he's played third base, shortstop, second and outfield in high school. Most pro teams envision him as either a third baseman--where his above-average arm strength will play--or as an offensive-oriented second baseman with below-average speed.