Tyler
Hardman

2021 MLB Draft: Hardman, who stands at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, is much improved at the plate since his summer in the Cape in 2019. He is seeing the ball better with improved bat-to-ball skills. His top tool is his near 70-grade raw power and it plays to all fields. It's generated by both big strength and some length in his swing. He separates well and has strong, gifted hands. However, with the big raw power has come big strikeout numbers. With 48 strikeouts in 140 plate appearances (34 percent) in the summer of 2019 and 64 in 259 that spring, he looks to have straightened out those issues. In 2021, he struck out 59 times in 262 at-bats for a rate of 22.5 percent. He also shows an above average arm and average hands to at least become serviceable and reliable making plays in his box at first base.

After playing everyday at first base for the Sooners last spring, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound Hardman attempted to make the conversion to third base this summer. With an above average arm, average hands and fringe running speed the tools are there to at least become serviceable. While learning this new position he committed six errors in 48 chances for a .875 FLD%. On my looks he showed below average range and is a work in progress at the hot corner. Across the diamond at first base he was reliable making the plays in his box while not committing an error the entire Cape season. The right-handed hitter’s top tool is his near 70-grade raw power and it plays to all fields. He was this year’s Home Run Derby champion, belting 11 in both the first round and Finals to take home the crown. The power is generated by both big strength and some length in his swing. He separates well and has strong, gifted hands. He keeps them back and handled offspeed pitches without any problems on my looks. However, with the big raw power has come big strikeout numbers. Hardman is a guess hitter, frequently checking his swing. With 48 strikeouts in 140 plate appearances (34%) this summer and 64 in 259 last spring (24.7%), his approach needs refinement with possibly more focus on sitting on a zone and attacking, rather than guessing exactly what pitch the pitcher will throw. With continued development at third base, a decrease in his strikeout totals this spring and converting more of his raw power into game production (just six HR in 219 at-bats last spring) Hardman could evolve into a top 5 round pick next summer.