What Do Baseball Scouts Look For In Players?

A baseball scout looks for many things in a player. Some of the most important qualities are athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and a strong arm.

Introduction

Scouts look for a variety of skills when assessing players. Some of these skills are physical tools, such as speed and arm strength. Other skills are related to a player’s ability to make contact with the ball, hit for power, or play defense. Some scouts believe that a player’s makeup (mental and emotional intelligence) is just as important as their physical tools or on-field performance.

Hitting

One of the main things scouts look for when evaluating hitters is their ability to make consistent contact with the ball. They also look at a player’s hitting mechanics to see if there are any flaws that could lead to future problems. Another important aspect of hitting that scouts evaluate is a player’s power potential. This is not just about how hard a player can hit the ball, but also their ability to hit for average and get on base.

Pitching

In order to be a successful pitcher, there are several key skills that scouts look for. These skills include:

-Arm strength: This is the ability to throws the ball with speed and velocity.
-Breaking stuff: This refers to a pitcher’s ability to throw pitches that break or move in unexpected ways. These can be harder for hitters to track and can lead to more strikeouts.
-Command: This is the ability to control where a pitch is going. A pitcher with good command will be able to consistently place their pitches where they want them, making it harder for hitters to make solid contact.
-Mental toughness: This refers to a pitcher’s ability to stay calm and composed under pressure. A pitcher who can keep their composure in high-pressure situations is more likely to be successful.

Fielding

One of the most important aspects of baseball is defense. Players who can play multiple positions and field well are always in demand. Scouts will often times base their initial opinion of a player on his defensive abilities. They will look at a player’s range, arm strength, footwork and overall athleticism.

Conclusion

There is no one answer to the question of what baseball scouts look for in players. With so many different players and so many different scout organizations, there are bound to be many different opinions on the matter. However, there are some general things that most scouts seem to agree on. These include a player’s potential, character, work ethic, and attitude. Of course, scouts also have their own personal preferences, so it ultimately comes down to each individual scout’s opinion as to what he or she is looking for in a player.