Austin Wates

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #26 prospect in 2013
  Since signing for $550,000 as a 2010 third-round pick, Wates has been one of the best hitters in the system. With an unconventional swing and an inside-out approach, he's content to shoot balls the other way rather than turn on them and pull them with authority. He displays natural hitting rhythm and timing. He batted a career-high .310 in 2012 despite landing on the disabled list twice with a quadriceps problem in June and a hamstring pull in July. However, Wates won't profile as more than a fourth outfielder unless he starts to draw more walks. While he's an above-average runner, his leg injuries set him back a bit and he's not an efficient basestealer. His swing keeps him from hitting for power in games despite surprising raw juice in batting practice. His arm and instincts are better suited for left field than center. Wates is headed to Triple-A for 2013.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #18 prospect in 2012
  The Astros have drafted several college hitters with single-digit draft picks in recent years and still are waiting for one of them to break out. Their top two such selections from 2010, Austin Wates and Mike Kvasnicka, had modest full-season debuts last year. Wates split time between first base and the outfield at Virginia Tech, and Houston likes both his bat and his speed. He played all three outfield positions in 2011, hitting .300 while leading Lancaster in doubles (23) and RBIs (75) while ranking second in steals (26). Considering the offensive nature of the high Class A California League and Lancaster's Clear Channel Stadium, his .413 slugging percentage was a downer. Wates' swing and approach are the issue. He has natural feel for hitting and for making consistent contact, but he inside-outs the ball and is content to shoot singles to center and right field. He has yet to learn to turn on balls consistently and show any pull power, and his swing lacks loft. Wates shows some raw power in batting practice. His plus speed enables him to steal bases and make up for his inexperience in the outfield. He has a decent arm, certainly enough for left or center field. If Wates can stick in center, it will put less pressure on his bat and enhance his profile significantly. He'll work in all three outfield spots again this year in Double-A.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #9 prospect in 2011
  Wates was an NCAA Division I recruit in soccer as well as baseball, hinting at his athletic ability. He established himself as a prospect by hitting .312 with wood bats in the summer Cape Cod League in 2009. He hit .367 as a three-year starter at Virginia Tech, where he was one of a school-record eight Hokies drafted in 2010, signing for $550,000 as the 90th overall pick. While he played first base and the outfield corners in college, Wates profiles best in center field thanks to his above-average speed and athleticism. His below-average arm is playable in center, and his bat fits better there. Wates has an unorthodox swing that's short but a bit loopy. While he has a knack for barreling balls and uses the entire field, his swing path lends itself to average power at best. He has a polished approach, having developed better patience and improved pitch recognition as he's gained experience. He also has good instincts on the bases. An athlete who can hit, Wates has a chance to be a Shannon Stewart type of offensive player with center-field ability as a bonus. His polish gives him the chance to move quickly, and he could start his first full pro season in high Class A.

• December, 2010 Scouting Report
  Wates was an NCAA Division I recruit in soccer as well as baseball, hinting at his athletic ability. He established himself as a prospect by hitting .312 with wood bats in the summer Cape Cod League in 2009. He hit .367 as a three-year starter at Virginia Tech, where he was one of a school-record eight Hokies drafted in 2010, signing for $550,000 as the 90th overall pick. While he played first base and the outfield corners in college, Wates profiles best in center field thanks to his above-average speed and athleticism. His below-average arm is playable in center, and his bat fits better there. Wates has an unorthodox swing that's short but a bit loopy. While he has a knack for barreling balls and uses the entire field, his swing path lends itself to average power at best. He has a polished approach, having developed better patience and improved pitch recognition as he's gained experience. He also has good instincts on the bases. An athlete who can hit, Wates has a chance to be a Shannon Stewart type of offensive player with center-field ability as a bonus. His polish gives him the chance to move quickly, and he could start his first full pro season in high Class A.