The MLB Draft is hours away as we look at an up-and-coming outfielder out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Roman Anthony, a powerhouse from the left side took a leading role in back-to-back titles for his alma mater. While the commitment to Mississippi State is still in the picture, Anthony is trending toward the draft option. Here’s some background on the Florida native.
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Roman Anthony, Outfield, Marjory Stoneman Douglas
*Height:* 6’3″
*Weight:* 200 lbs.
*DOB:* 05/13/2004
*Bats:* Left
*Throws:* Right
*2021 Stats:* 28 G, .362/.532/.650, 32 R, 21 RBI, 5 HR, 25 SB, 28 BB, 21 K
*2022 Stats:* 32 G, .520/.589/.980, 36 R, 40 RBI, 10 HR, 21 SB, 21 BB, 15 K
Scouting Grades
*Hit:* 45
*Power:* 55
*Run:* 50
*Field:* 50
*Arm:* 50
*Overall:* 50
The Gatorade Florida Baseball Player of the Year, Anthony is quite the jock. Slugging his team to back-to-back titles is nothing but impressive for the 18-year-old. Taking part in the Perfect Game All-American Classic as well as an honorary Preseason All-American. On another note, Stoneman Douglas has produced just five ball players who reached the major leagues. Names like Anthony Rizzo and Jesus Luzardo are representatives of the Douglas Eagles. Anthony seeks to join the select few Eagles and his performance in high school only increases his chances to go the distance.
Strengths
Anthony has the epitome of a power stroke. His raw power is clearly existent which he conducts from the left side. Slugging a whopping .980 in his senior campaign produced 10 long bombs on top of a .520 batting average. Additionally, his broad 6’3″ stature allows him to drive the ball and spray it in any direction. Anthony is a rascal in the base paths and his speed produced 46 stolen bases as an Eagle. Defensively, the 18-year-old presents an above-average arm along with well-rounded fielding abilities. His 6-foot-3 build grants him the ability to cover more ground through his lengthy strides.
Weaknesses
There are a few concerns to Anthony’s game, including his swing-and-miss rate. His wide strike zone gives the pitcher the advantage to pound the lower half of the zone and sneak by with arguable calls. His raw power is a plus, however, the vast majority of sluggers seem to struggle with the swing-and-miss. Nonetheless, while the lack of discipline puts a slash on his draft stock, Anthony is likely to shake off his struggles at the dish.
Pro Comparison: Christian Yelich
While his struggles have been a concern over the past few seasons, Yelich is the perfect comparison to the 18-year-old stud. His 6-foot-3 stature usually places him in the corners of the outfield which Anthony is likely to experience. Yelich has heavy power from the left side and grapples with the swing-and-miss. The former MVP is familiar with the base path and can steal a base here and there. His techniques are quite similar to Anthony which the 18-year-old is likely to shape into.
Draft Projection: Mid-Second Round
The youngster is found in the mix of the top outfield prospects. While Druw Jones and Elijah Green are far superior to Anthony’s caliber, the Stoneman Douglas graduate has made a name for himself following a prestigious senior campaign. In any event, Anthony is expected to hear his name called in the blend of the second round.
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Main Image Credit: From Parkland Talk
