Tyler Whitaker

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Houston Astros #9 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: In their final draft without a first- or second-round pick as punishment for their electronic sign-stealing scandal, the Astros took Whitaker 87th overall and praised him as a potential first-rounder who fell into their lap. Houston paid Whitaker $1.5 million—more than $800,000 over slot value—to break his commitment to Arizona. Whitaker played primarily right field during his senior season due to a team need, but the Astros view him as a center fielder long term. He started in center field in 19 of his 29 games in the Florida Complex League in his pro debut.
  
  Scouting Report: Whitaker is toolsy and raw, but exudes enough energy and athleticism to portend well for his future. He has room to add more size and muscle to his lanky 6-foot-4 frame, and his athleticism is apparent. He has plus-plus speed and plus raw power, but his grooved swing produces too many swings and misses. He struck out 40 times in 114 plate appearances in the FCL and projects to be a below-average hiter. Whitaker has enough tools to play all three outfield positions. His plus arm profiles in right field ,but his enticing speed will keep him in center field for now.
  
  The Future: Whitaker needs more seasoning and playing time, but he stands out as a bright spot in a system light on young position player talent. His first full season in 2022 should start in Low-A Fayetteville.
  

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #59 prospect in 2021 draft
  Whitaker’s stock continued to climb during his senior season at Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, making it less likely that he will fulfill his commitment to Arizona. He stands out for his frame and athleticism with at least three plus tools in his kit. Primarily a two-way shortstop and pitcher during his prep career, Whitaker spent more time this year in right field, with center field likely being his home at the next level. He’s a plus-plus runner but yielded the center field position to other speedy outfielders on his high school squad. A plus arm and power bat will allow him to fit into any outfield position in the future. He has plus power, but the hit tool is a question mark as there’s plenty of swing and miss with a grooved swing. Whitaker is a max-effort type of player with good makeup. He’s a known commodity to amateur scouts, having been a regular in tournaments and the showcase circuit for the entirety of his prep career, often playing up in age levels. Whitaker has also been well-known as a pitcher but will be drafted as a position player and could go as high as the second round.

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record: In their final draft without a first- or second-round pick as punishment for their electronic sign-stealing scandal, the Astros took Whitaker 87th overall and praised him as a potential first-rounder who fell into their lap. Houston paid Whitaker $1.5 million—more than $800,000 over slot value—to break his commitment to Arizona. Whitaker played primarily right field during his senior season due to a team need, but the Astros view him as a center fielder long term. He started in center field in 19 of his 29 games in the Florida Complex League in his pro debut.
  
  Scouting Report: Whitaker is toolsy and raw, but exudes enough energy and athleticism to portend well for his future. He has room to add more size and muscle to his lanky 6-foot-4 frame, and his athleticism is apparent. He has plus-plus speed and plus raw power, but his grooved swing produces too many swings and misses. He struck out 40 times in 114 plate appearances in the FCL and projects to be a below-average hiter. Whitaker has enough tools to play all three outfield positions. His plus arm profiles in right field ,but his enticing speed will keep him in center field for now.
  
  The Future: Whitaker needs more seasoning and playing time, but he stands out as a bright spot in a system light on young position player talent. His first full season in 2022 should start in Low-A Fayetteville.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 40. Power: 55. Speed: 60. Fielding: 45. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: In their final draft without a first- or second-round pick as punishment for their electronic sign-stealing scandal, the Astros took Whitaker 87th overall and praised him as a potential first-rounder who fell into their lap. Houston paid Whitaker $1.5 million—more than $800,000 over slot value—to break his commitment to Arizona. Whitaker played primarily right field during his senior season due to a team need, but the Astros view him as a center fielder long term. He started in center field in 19 of his 29 games in the Florida Complex League in his pro debut.
  
  Scouting Report: Whitaker is toolsy and raw, but exudes enough energy and athleticism to portend well for his future. He has room to add more size and muscle to his lanky 6-foot-4 frame, and his athleticism is apparent. He has plus-plus speed and plus raw power, but his grooved swing produces too many swings and misses. He struck out 40 times in 114 plate appearances in the FCL and projects to be a below-average hiter. Whitaker has enough tools to play all three outfield positions. His plus arm profiles in right field ,but his enticing speed will keep him in center field for now.
  
  The Future: Whitaker needs more seasoning and playing time, but he stands out as a bright spot in a system light on young position player talent. His first full season in 2022 should start in Low-A Fayetteville.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  The Astros were thrilled to see Whitaker last until their first pick in the 2021 draft—their punishment for illegal sign-stealing meant they didn't pick until pick 87. They saved money later in the draft to be able to pay Whitaker, an athletic right fielder with plus power, a plus arm and plus speed.