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Continuing our coverage of the upcoming 2017 MLB Draft, we turn back to the high school ranks with a look at Tristen Lutz, a powerful outfielder from the Texas prep ranks.
THE BASICS
A summer showcase presence since 2013, Lutz attends Martin High School in Arlington, Texas. He is a 6-3, 210 pound right-handed hitter and thrower born August 22nd, 1998. Scouts have a long track record with him and he drew plenty of notice from college coaches as well. Committed to the University of Texas, Lutz is expected to be signable if drafted in the first couple of rounds.
STRENGTHS
Lutz has two big tools: 60-grade raw power and a 60-grade throwing arm. This makes him a prototypical right fielder. His pure running speed is average but overall he moves pretty well for a 6-3, 210 pounder.
He plays center field in high school and while he’ll likely lose a tick of speed as he matures physically, he won’t be a slug by any means and should be a very good corner outfielder.
Power is the big draw offensively but Lutz has more polish than typical for his age, showing solid strike zone judgment and consistent swing mechanics. His stock has been rising all spring as scouts are increasingly confident in his bat.
WEAKNESSES
Lutz doesn’t have the explosive pure athleticism or speedy quickness of some of the other prep position players. That’s not his fault of course, but it puts his total tool package a notch behind some of the other high school prospects since he doesn’t have as much physical projectability. He turns 19 in August, so he’s not one of the younger bats in the class, either.
OVERALL PROJECTION
Viewed as a solid second round talent six months ago, Lutz has moved up boards and has a decent chance to get into the first round now. It is unlikely he’ll pass beyond the early part of the second round.