Seth Beer Stats & Scouting Report

AB	158
AVG	.272
OBP	.339
SLG	.475
HR	8

Full name Seth Michael Beer
Born 09/18/1996 in Maryville, IL
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Clemson
Debut 09/10/2021
Drafted in the 1st round (28th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2018 (signed for $2,250,000).

View Draft Report

Over the last three seasons, Beer has been one of college baseball's brightest stars--and not just because of his infinitely punnable last name. Beer made a huge splash in 2016, enrolling early at Clemson and playing his freshman season when he could have been a senior in high school. He won BA's Freshman of the Year Award that season by hitting .369/.535/.700 with 18 home runs--several in clutch, game-deciding moments. Since that season, though, Beer has hit for less contact, batting .277/.421/.561 with 14 home runs through 173 at-bats this spring. While there's little doubt in Beer's power--earning some 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale--his other tools are points of concern for scouts. Beer boasts exceptional pitch recognition and plate discipline, but some evaluators are more bullish on his hit tool than others due to his lack of a wood-bat track record. An accomplished swimmer who at one point was on track to compete in the Olympics, Beer's swimmer's body hasn't translated into defensive ability on the field. He's a poor runner, and his inefficient routes give him little chance of sticking in the outfield at the next level. He's been an inconsistent first baseman as well, and doesn't have a clear position heading into the draft. The team that drafts Beer will do so because of its belief in his power, plate discipline and overall hit tool. He has game-changing pop, but he'll need to continue to hit and find a defensive home in order to move up the professional ranks.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Track Record: Beer became the fourth and final player from the Zack Greinke trade to reach the majors for the D-backs when he made his debut in September. He connected for a pinch-hit homer in his first big league at-bat, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his first inning in the field diving for a ball.

Scouting Report: As always, Beer remains a bat-first, if not bat-only, prospect. He hits the ball to all fields, is good at working counts and makes a decent amount of contact even when expands the zone. Beer’s power is closer to average than plus, but he gets to it enough to make a difference in games. Beer’s defense at first base remains subpar, with evaluators differing only on whether it is playable. He is a slow mover with poor hands and is a liability in the field.

The Future: A universal DH would help Beer’s cause, but many evaluators see him as a good hitter rather than a great one, projecting him more as a second-division slugger.
TRACK RECORD: Beer put up gaudy numbers at Clemson to become the first freshman to win the Dick Howser Trophy in 2016. The Astros drafted him 28th overall in 2018 and sent him to the D-backs in the Zack Greinke trade a year later. After hitting .289/.389/.516 and reaching Double-A in his first full season, Beer spent 2020 at the D-backs' alternate site and was arguably their best hitter there.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer isn't just a bat-first player --he appears to be bat only. He has a mature approach, a smooth, strong swing and above-average raw power. He's hit for average and power at every level and projects to continue to do so. Despite the work he has put in to improve defensively, he hasn't made much progress. His footwork at first base is not good, nor are his hands. He is worse in the outfield based on near bottom-of-the-scale speed. Even if he could be a poor-yet-passable defender, it likely would not be good enough for the D-backs, who put a premium on defense.

THE FUTURE: If the universal DH is here to stay, that gives Beer a possible path with the D-backs. Even then, they value flexibility, which Beer does not provide. He can hit, but his future likely lies in a different organization.
TRACK RECORD: Beer is a former elite-level swimmer who chose to focus on baseball at age 13, a decision that has worked out nicely. After mashing his way through the Atlantic Coast Conference at Clemson, he was drafted 28th overall by the Astros in 2018 and hit his way to Double-A in his first full season. The Diamondbacks acquired him midway through the year as part of the Zack Greinke trade.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer's calling card is his bat, but there's far from a consensus on what kind of player he is likely to become. His game includes a blend of hittability, power and a mature approach, but scouts wonder if he does well enough at any of them to be a first-division bat. Since he doesn't run well and is a poor defender—he's a first base-only type with below-average footwork and hands—he's going to have to really mash in order to profile at the position.

THE FUTURE: Despite the gaudy numbers, Beer is a divisive player in the industry. Analytically-inclined officials support him, while most traditional scouts remain uncertain, offering comps of modestly productive sluggers like Matt Adams and Allen Craig. Beer is likely to open 2020 back at Double-A Jackson.
Track Record: Beer is the rare player who was never draft-eligible in high school. That's because he enrolled at Clemson six months early, so when his high school class was graduating, Beer was wrapping up an outstanding freshman season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a pre-teen, Beer was an elite swimmer. As a 12-year-old, he set a national age group record in the 50-yard backstroke, but he eventually opted to focus on baseball over swimming. So far, it's been a wise choice. Beer finished his college career with 56 home runs and nearly twice as many walks (180) as strikeouts (98).

Scouting Report: Beer has an excellent batting eye to go with the plus power that gives him the potential to hit 25-30 home runs. He demonstrated that power in his first two pro stops, helping alleviate some of the concerns that revolved around his struggles to hit with a wood bat in summer ball during college. Once he reached high Class A, Beer got too aggressive and chased too many pitches, but he should draw plenty of walks to post high on-base percentages. His batting averages likely won't reflect that, as his average will suffer from bottom-of-the-scale speed. His lefthanded power profile makes shifting on him an easy call, and a second baseman playing in short right field will be able to cut off some hits that otherwise would fall in. What kept Beer from going higher in the draft was his lack of a clear defensive position. He will likely only get slower from here. He is a heavy-footed, well below-average left fielder with a below-average arm and is worse at first base because of poor footwork. The Astros have to hope he can become a below-average defender, but he fits best as a DH.

The Future: Beer moved quickly in his pro debut and should make it to Double-A in 2019. His bat could be ready for Houston before too long, but unless he shows significant improvement defensively, he'll be the rare young player who tries to break into the majors as a designated hitter. His attributes are similar to long-time Astros minor league slugger A.J. Reed, but the Astros have to hope he can make a bigger MLB impact.

Draft Prospects

Over the last three seasons, Beer has been one of college baseball's brightest stars--and not just because of his infinitely punnable last name. Beer made a huge splash in 2016, enrolling early at Clemson and playing his freshman season when he could have been a senior in high school. He won BA's Freshman of the Year Award that season by hitting .369/.535/.700 with 18 home runs--several in clutch, game-deciding moments. Since that season, though, Beer has hit for less contact, batting .277/.421/.561 with 14 home runs through 173 at-bats this spring. While there's little doubt in Beer's power--earning some 70 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale--his other tools are points of concern for scouts. Beer boasts exceptional pitch recognition and plate discipline, but some evaluators are more bullish on his hit tool than others due to his lack of a wood-bat track record. An accomplished swimmer who at one point was on track to compete in the Olympics, Beer's swimmer's body hasn't translated into defensive ability on the field. He's a poor runner, and his inefficient routes give him little chance of sticking in the outfield at the next level. He's been an inconsistent first baseman as well, and doesn't have a clear position heading into the draft. The team that drafts Beer will do so because of its belief in his power, plate discipline and overall hit tool. He has game-changing pop, but he'll need to continue to hit and find a defensive home in order to move up the professional ranks.

Minor League Top Prospects

Beer demolished Texas League pitching before being traded from the Astros to the D-backs at the trade deadline. In 63 games with Corpus Christi, Beer posted a .950 OPS and hit 16 home runs, just seven shy of Cody Thomas' league-leading 23 home runs in 130 games. Beer’s plus power is paired with an advanced approach and discerning eye that gives him the profile of an above-average hitter. Beer possesses well below-average speed and is a below-average defender likely be limited to first base, which puts increased pressure on his bat. His bat and power potential have more than made up for those deficiencies so far. "That guy is just a flat-out hitter,” one Texas League manager said. "I don’t know what other people think about his defense and all of that, but I know you don’t want to see him in the batter’s box.”

Best Tools List

Rated Best Strike-Zone Discipline in the Houston Astros in 2019

Scouting Reports

BA Grade: 40/Medium

Track Record: Beer became the fourth and final player from the Zack Greinke trade to reach the majors for the D-backs when he made his debut in September. He connected for a pinch-hit homer in his first big league at-bat, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his first inning in the field diving for a ball.

Scouting Report: As always, Beer remains a bat-first, if not bat-only, prospect. He hits the ball to all fields, is good at working counts and makes a decent amount of contact even when expands the zone. Beer&#39s power is closer to average than plus, but he gets to it enough to make a difference in games. Beer&#39s defense at first base remains subpar, with evaluators differing only on whether it is playable. He is a slow mover with poor hands and is a liability in the field.

The Future: A universal DH would help Beer&#39s cause, but many evaluators see him as a good hitter rather than a great one, projecting him more as a second-division slugger.
Track Record: Beer became the fourth and final player from the Zack Greinke trade to reach the majors for the D-backs when he made his debut in September. He connected for a pinch-hit homer in his first big league at-bat, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in his first inning in the field diving for a ball.

Scouting Report: As always, Beer remains a bat-first, if not bat-only, prospect. He hits the ball to all fields, is good at working counts and makes a decent amount of contact even when expands the zone. Beer’s power is closer to average than plus, but he gets to it enough to make a difference in games. Beer’s defense at first base remains subpar, with evaluators differing only on whether it is playable. He is a slow mover with poor hands and is a liability in the field.

The Future: A universal DH would help Beer’s cause, but many evaluators see him as a good hitter rather than a great one, projecting him more as a second-division slugger.
TRACK RECORD: Beer put up gaudy numbers at Clemson to become the first freshman to win the Dick Howser Trophy in 2016. The Astros drafted him 28th overall in 2018 and sent him to the D-backs in the Zack Greinke trade a year later. After hitting .289/.389/.516 and reaching Double-A in his first full season, Beer spent 2020 at the D-backs' alternate site and was arguably their best hitter there.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer isn't just a bat-first player --he appears to be bat only. He has a mature approach, a smooth, strong swing and above-average raw power. He's hit for average and power at every level and projects to continue to do so. Despite the work he has put in to improve defensively, he hasn't made much progress. His footwork at first base is not good, nor are his hands. He is worse in the outfield based on near bottom-of-the-scale speed. Even if he could be a poor-yet-passable defender, it likely would not be good enough for the D-backs, who put a premium on defense.

THE FUTURE: If the universal DH is here to stay, that gives Beer a possible path with the D-backs. Even then, they value flexibility, which Beer does not provide. He can hit, but his future likely lies in a different organization.
TRACK RECORD: Beer put up gaudy numbers at Clemson to become the first freshman to win the Dick Howser Trophy in 2016. The Astros drafted him 28th overall in 2018 and sent him to the D-backs in the Zack Greinke trade a year later. After hitting .289/.389/.516 and reaching Double-A in his first full season, Beer spent 2020 at the D-backs' alternate site and was arguably their best hitter there.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer isn't just a bat-first player --he appears to be bat only. He has a mature approach, a smooth, strong swing and above-average raw power. He's hit for average and power at every level and projects to continue to do so. Despite the work he has put in to improve defensively, he hasn't made much progress. His footwork at first base is not good, nor are his hands. He is worse in the outfield based on near bottom-of-the-scale speed. Even if he could be a poor-yet-passable defender, it likely would not be good enough for the D-backs, who put a premium on defense.

THE FUTURE: If the universal DH is here to stay, that gives Beer a possible path with the D-backs. Even then, they value flexibility, which Beer does not provide. He can hit, but his future likely lies in a different organization.
TRACK RECORD: Beer put up gaudy numbers at Clemson to become the first freshman to win the Dick Howser Trophy in 2016. The Astros drafted him 28th overall in 2018 and sent him to the D-backs in the Zack Greinke trade a year later. After hitting .289/.389/.516 and reaching Double-A in his first full season, Beer spent 2020 at the D-backs' alternate site and was arguably their best hitter there.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer isn't just a bat-first player --he appears to be bat only. He has a mature approach, a smooth, strong swing and above-average raw power. He's hit for average and power at every level and projects to continue to do so. Despite the work he has put in to improve defensively, he hasn't made much progress. His footwork at first base is not good, nor are his hands. He is worse in the outfield based on near bottom-of-the-scale speed. Even if he could be a poor-yet-passable defender, it likely would not be good enough for the D-backs, who put a premium on defense.

THE FUTURE: If the universal DH is here to stay, that gives Beer a possible path with the D-backs. Even then, they value flexibility, which Beer does not provide. He can hit, but his future likely lies in a different organization.
TRACK RECORD: Beer is a former elite-level swimmer who chose to focus on baseball at age 13, a decision that has worked out nicely. After mashing his way through the Atlantic Coast Conference at Clemson, he was drafted 28th overall by the Astros in 2018 and hit his way to Double-A in his first full season. The Diamondbacks acquired him midway through the year as part of the Zack Greinke trade.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer’s calling card is his bat, but there’s far from a consensus on what kind of player he is likely to become. His game includes a blend of hittability, power and a mature approach, but scouts wonder if he does well enough at any of them to be a first-division bat. Since he doesn’t run well and is a poor defender—he’s a first base-only type with below-average footwork and hands—he’s going to have to really mash in order to profile at the position.

THE FUTURE: Despite the gaudy numbers, Beer is a divisive player in the industry. Analytically-inclined officials support him, while most traditional scouts remain uncertain, offering comps of modestly productive sluggers like Matt Adams and Allen Craig. Beer is likely to open 2020 back at Double-A Jackson. BA GRADE 45 Risk: Medium BA GRADE 50 Risk: High
TRACK RECORD: Beer is a former elite-level swimmer who chose to focus on baseball at age 13, a decision that has worked out nicely. After mashing his way through the Atlantic Coast Conference at Clemson, he was drafted 28th overall by the Astros in 2018 and hit his way to Double-A in his first full season. The Diamondbacks acquired him midway through the year as part of the Zack Greinke trade.

SCOUTING REPORT: Beer's calling card is his bat, but there's far from a consensus on what kind of player he is likely to become. His game includes a blend of hittability, power and a mature approach, but scouts wonder if he does well enough at any of them to be a first-division bat. Since he doesn't run well and is a poor defender—he's a first base-only type with below-average footwork and hands—he's going to have to really mash in order to profile at the position.

THE FUTURE: Despite the gaudy numbers, Beer is a divisive player in the industry. Analytically-inclined officials support him, while most traditional scouts remain uncertain, offering comps of modestly productive sluggers like Matt Adams and Allen Craig. Beer is likely to open 2020 back at Double-A Jackson.
Beer demolished Texas League pitching before being traded from the Astros to the D-backs at the trade deadline. In 63 games with Corpus Christi, Beer posted a .950 OPS and hit 16 home runs, just seven shy of Cody Thomas' league-leading 23 home runs in 130 games. Beer’s plus power is paired with an advanced approach and discerning eye that gives him the profile of an above-average hitter. Beer possesses well below-average speed and is a below-average defender likely be limited to first base, which puts increased pressure on his bat. His bat and power potential have more than made up for those deficiencies so far. "That guy is just a flat-out hitter,” one Texas League manager said. "I don’t know what other people think about his defense and all of that, but I know you don’t want to see him in the batter’s box.”
When he was in college, Beer struggled when he was asked to hit with wood in the Cape Cod League and with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. Now, he’s proving he doesn’t need a metal bat in his hands, as he has had no problems so far as a pro. He hit four home runs in 11 games to play his way out of Tri-City and he’s immediately become Quad Cities’ best hitter upon his promotion. Beer is too advanced a hitter for the lower rungs of the minors, but his defense has plenty of work to do as he splits his time between first base and the corner outfield spots.