Levi Usher Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Levi Dennis Usher
Born 06/25/2000 in Cedar Rapids, IA
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Louisville
Drafted in the 10th round (295th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2022 (signed for $72,500).

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Usher began his college career at Kirkwood (Iowa) JC before transferring to Louisville after his freshman season. He had an up-and-down career with the Cardinals, starting on a sensational path in 2020 before the season was cancelled only to struggle in 2021 and then bounce back for a solid 2022. He’s a well-above-average runner and that speed plays on both the bases and in center field. The lefthanded hitter has power potential, but it comes with more swing-and-miss than the rest of his profile might suggest. He’s a plus defender in center field and has a strong arm.

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Usher entered the year as a player who had a chance to go among the top-three rounds thanks to an exciting all-around tool set, including plus running ability, plus arm strength and raw power. He hit .411/.484/.571 in the shortened 2020 season with Louisville after previously hitting well at Kirkwood (Iowa) JC. This spring, though, Usher struggled mightily with the bat, hitting just .216/.358/.306 with a 28% strikeout rate. That slash line was even worse against lefthanded pitchers, and he’s struggled with both high-end velocity and against breaking and offspeed stuff. Usher does show some ability to get on base and take a walk—with a 15% walk rate—but his season raised real questions about his overall hitting ability, and he struggled to elevate the ball consistently, instead rolling over on pitches and grounding out to the right side of the infield. His tool set is still loud, as Usher is an explosive runner who should be able to play center field and has more than enough arm strength for right field, with a strong, 6-foot, 210-pound frame and solid raw power.