Reggie Pruitt Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Reginald Pruitt
Born 05/07/1997 in Kennesaw, GA
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Kennesaw Mountain
Drafted in the 24th round (722nd overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2015 (signed for $500,000).

View Draft Report

Pruitt played well last summer on the showcase circuit, but it has been his Kennesaw Mountain High teammate Tyler Stephenson who has blown up this spring. Stephenson's meteoric rise up draft boards kept high-level scouts watching the Mustangs deep into the spring and some came away impressed by Pruitt as well. He is a plus runner and turned in the second-fastest 60-yard dash time (6.49) at the Tournament of Stars. He's also a plus defender in center field, capable of tracking down balls with ease. But there are more question marks in his offensive game. Pruitt has an inconsistent approach at the plate and is still learning to repeat his swing. He is still physically maturing and has well-below-average power. He has the look of a top-of-the-order hitter, but he'll likely need to refine his swing to allow him to make consistent, hard contact. Pruitt is committed to Vanderbilt and it is expected to be difficult to sign him away from school.

Top Rankings

Pruitt was making plenty of noise himself as a prospect, thrilling scouts with his speed and defense in showcases. However, scouts who came to see him in 2015 were more wowed by prep teammate Tyler Stephenson, a catcher drafted 11th overall by the Reds. Pruitt's inconsistent spring and Vanderbilt commitment clouded his signability, but the Blue Jays got him for $500,000 in the 24th round, the highest bonus ever for a player drafted in that round. Toronto wanted him for his athleticism and center-field profile. He runs the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds and is a burner whose speed plays in center field with range and on the bases with stolen bases. Pruitt's solid-average arm, to go with his range and instincts, should make him a true plus defender in center in time. He'll have to try to fit the top-of-the-lineup profile because he lacks physicality and strength to produce more than below-average power. Pruitt's swing and approach are inconsistent, and he may need 2,000 minor league at-bats for his bat to develop. He figures to start 2016 in extended spring training before heading to Rookie-level Bluefield.

Pruitt played well last summer on the showcase circuit, but it has been his Kennesaw Mountain High teammate Tyler Stephenson who has blown up this spring. Stephenson's meteoric rise up draft boards kept high-level scouts watching the Mustangs deep into the spring and some came away impressed by Pruitt as well. He is a plus runner and turned in the second-fastest 60-yard dash time (6.49) at the Tournament of Stars. He's also a plus defender in center field, capable of tracking down balls with ease. But there are more question marks in his offensive game. Pruitt has an inconsistent approach at the plate and is still learning to repeat his swing. He is still physically maturing and has well-below-average power. He has the look of a top-of-the-order hitter, but he'll likely need to refine his swing to allow him to make consistent, hard contact. Pruitt is committed to Vanderbilt and it is expected to be difficult to sign him away from school.

Drafted in the 24th round in 2015, Pruitt has had trouble adjusting to professional pitching, but the 20-year-old appeared to make some offensive strides late in the season at Vancouver, batting .250/.323/.336 in the second half after posting a .531 OPS in the first half. The righthanded hitter also showed a little power with an opposite-field homer in August. His other home run on the season came in inside-the-park fashion. While his bat remains a key question mark, Pruitt's other tools keep him on the prospect radar. He's an excellent defensive center fielder with the range, speed and body control to make highlight-reel plays. Pruitt has plus speed and a plus arm and should have no problem sticking in center. Pruitt needs to improve his offensive approach and learn to better utilize his speed at the plate. While he likely will never be a masher, he might be able to hit just enough if he can stay within his game and focus on his strengths.