Hudson Head Stats & Scouting Report College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

Track Record: Teams didn't have much history with Head, who was a high school quarterback in Texas, prior to his emergence as a popup prospect for the 2019 draft. That didn't stop the Padres from signing him for $3 million in the third round. He flashed explosive tools in limited instructional league looks with San Diego, and was sent to Pittsburgh in the Joe Musgrove trade after the 2020 season. Head showed power but struck out 31.6% of the time with Low-A Bradenton in 2021.

Scouting Report: Scouts struggled to evaluate Head in 2021. He showed above-average power potential at times, hitting 15 homers, with bat speed to produce above-average exit velocities from his wiry frame. But multiple evaluators expected a bit more physicality based on what he had shown previously in 2019. Head also struggled with premium velocity at times, especially at the top of the zone, leading to concerns his swing is a bit grooved. He also struggled mightily against lefthanders. The Pirates worked with Head to shorten his swing throughout the season. Defensively, Head is a solid defender with the arm to handle any outfield position, but his speed and arm may ultimately play better in a corner.

The Future: Those bullish on Head will give him a mulligan for 2021, citing his age and uneven development timeline. He has the floor of a fourth outfielder with more upside if he can make more contact.

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