Cam Collier is currently on an intriguing route to the MLB Draft. He was looking like a High School standout after his sophomore season and Baseball America had him as the third-best prospect for 2023. However, Collier got his GED and reclassified for the 2022 Draft while going to play at Chipola College this season. He hasn’t disappointed and has a very good shot at going in the top half of the first round. Let’s take a look at Collier, and what he brings to the field.
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Cam Collier, Third Base, Chipola College (FL)
*Height:* 6’2″
*Weight:* 210 lbs.
*DOB:* 11/20/2004
*Bats:* Left
*Throws:* Right
*Hit:* 60
*Power:* 50
*Run:* 50
*Arm:* 60
*Field:* 50
*2022 Stats:* 52 G, .333/.419/.537, 8 HR, 5 SB, 35 R, 47 RBI
The son of former major league utility man Lou Collier, Cam has impressed scouts with his production at such a young age. He will still be just 17 years old when he hears his name in July. That gives him an edge over some other draft prospects as Collier is younger and has a year of college experience. Chipola has turned out a few MLB players in the past, namely Jose Bautista and Russell Martin.
Strengths
Collier’s bat is what stands out to anyone who has seen him play. He barrels the ball well, making loud contact consistently. His setup is very calm holding his bat in front of him. Collier employs a leg kick and loads up well, keeping his hands back a long time as he strides toward the pitcher. This helps the Louisville recruit to recognize pitches better as he can wait on them and explode. While his power is average right now, many believe Collier could have above-average pop with some added muscle as he gets older.
Defensively, he is a solid third baseman with a strong arm. He also threw 11.1 innings for the Chipola Indians this season and struck out 16 batters while hitting 93 on the gun. Collier’s throwing definitely fits the hot corner, and he looks comfortable there. He displays quickness and good instincts fielding his position. There is a strong possibility he stays at third, but with kids his age, Collier could be moved to first or even a corner spot in the outfield. Either way, his bat plays anywhere on the diamond.
Weaknesses
With at least average tools across the board, there isn’t much not to like about the teenager. However, while adding strength to his already solid 6-foot-2 frame may produce more home runs, Collier may be a little slower on the bases and in the field. He isn’t a burner now anyway but losing a step could make his wheels slightly below average. It may force him out of the outfield conversation and keep him at third or first.
Pro Comparison: Freddie Freeman
Although Freeman is a first baseman, there are a few similarities here, especially if we look back at the beginning of his journey to the majors. He was 17 when he played his first professional baseball for the Atlanta Braves. Collier will likely do the same this year. The former Braves’ slugger always hit but wasn’t a huge power threat earlier in his career, although he averaged a respectable 21 HRs a season in his first five years. Freeman also slashed .286/.368/.467 during that span. With Collier’s approach and quick bat, he should be able to match that production.
Draft Prediction: San Diego Padres, Round 1, Pick 15
The Padres have a track record of selecting High School kids early in the draft. Their last seven first-round picks have been prep players. While Collier does have college experience, he is still of High School age. While San Diego tends to go with more athletic prepsters like Robert Hassell and C.J. Abrams, Collier’s bat could be special. With the highly-touted teenage bats like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green, and Jackson Holliday already gone at this point, the Padres should be happy to see Collier’s name still on the board.
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