Drew Swift

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #343 prospect in 2021 draft
  Swift has been a four-year starter at Arizona State, but because of the presence of 2020 supplemental first-round pick Alika Williams he did not get regular playing time at his natural shortstop position until this year. His defense at shortstop as well as the ability he’s shown at other positions, both in the infield and outfield, will give Swift plenty of supporters in draft rooms. He profiles best as a utilityplayer who with his outstanding makeup and consistency is expected to play above his tools. He’s a plus defender with an arm that is graded above-average to plus. He’s got the instincts, footwork and hands to remain a quality defender, and was named the Pac-12 defensive player of the year for the 2021 season. Swift will be a bottom-of-the-order hitter at the next level, but he really competes at the plate. He’s a contact hitter with well below-average power. He’s a scout’s dream and is very signable as he’s already graduated and isn’t likely to go back for a fifth collegiate season. His high floor, defense at a premium position, and gamer mentality will get him drafted in the top-10 rounds.
• Ranked #416 prospect in 2020 draft
  A high-profile shortstop in the Phoenix area with perennial powerhouse Hamilton High school, Swift stayed home to play at nearby Arizona State, a three-year starter primarily at second base. The bat is too light to project him as anything more than a bench player, but he showed progress in his abbreviated junior season with the Sun Devils when he looked more comfortable and focused at the plate. He’s a below-average hitter with well below-average power, but he has plus-plus hands and is a plus runner. Swift has quick actions in the infield, with an average arm that would meet the need for either middle infield position in his ceiling role as a utility infielder. Swift added to his versatility in 2020 by getting some starts in center field and he certainly has the speed to handle the position with more reps there. Swift will likely return to school unless an organization that values his speed, instincts and versatility selects him higher than projected.
• Ranked #413 prospect in 2017 draft
  Swift played with Stanford commit and BA500 member Nick Brueser for four seasons on the Hamilton High varsity roster, winning three state championships, including back-to-back the last two seasons. Swift's main contributions have stemmed from his defense, as he has slick infield actions, plenty of arm strength (he closed for his high school team, including in the state title game this year) and excellent hands. Swift's hands work at the plate as well and he's an above-average runner, but he lacks the present strength to drive the ball consistently. He's expected to be a tough sign and will be relied upon early to help Arizona State, where he's committed, turn its program around.