Grady Emerson

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• Evaluate sustained performance with level and age context
• Review role fit, health, roster status, and organization need

SCOUT REPORT

Scouts have a difficult time finding any flaws in Emerson's game, with one noting the worst thing he can say about him is that he's not Bobby Witt Jr. Like Witt, Emerson is a rangy prep shortstop from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex with all-around tools, even if his aren't quite as loud. He transferred from Argyle HS to Fort Worth Christian HS to play his senior season under former big leaguer Rusty Greer, who also mentored Witt while he was growing up, and won Gatorade's national high school baseball player of the year award. Emerson's advanced skills stand out as much as his tools, starting with the way he stacks up quality at-bats, making good swing decisions and barreling balls to all fields. He generates impressive exit velocities with a pretty left-handed stroke, and while he doesn't sell out for power, his bat speed and projectable strength portend future 25-homer pop. He presently focuses on just making hard contact in game action but can launch balls in batting practice and finished second at the High School Home Run Derby during All-Star Week. Emerson is an average runner out of the batter's box but pairs solid speed underway with good instincts. The Texas recruit may be a bit underrated with the glove because he's such a fluid defender at shortstop that he makes difficult plays look routine. He has a strong arm, quick hands, sound fundamentals and a finely calibrated internal clock, so he's a lock to stay at short. His makeup is as impressive as the rest of his game.