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10 Things College
Scouts Look For
From a player who was scouted, drafted in the first round, and then became a Major League coach — here's exactly what scouts evaluate.
Raw Tools — Not Just Stats
Scouts clock your 60, arm strength, and exit velocity — not your batting average. They want to know your ceiling, not your current floor.
The Way You Move
Before you ever pick up a bat or glove, scouts watch how you move between drills, how you warm up, how you carry yourself. Athletic movement is obvious. So is the lack of it.
Competitiveness
They want to see you compete — not just play. There's a difference. Are you intense? Do you respond to failure? Do you back down? Scouts notice.
Body Projection
At the college level, scouts project 3–4 years ahead. A 16-year-old with a lean, athletic frame gets the benefit of the doubt. Strength comes with time if the frame is right.
Instincts — Do You Know the Game?
Baseball IQ shows up fast. Where you stand, how you read a ball, when you take an extra base, how you position yourself. You either have feel for the game or you don't. You can develop it — but it takes reps.
Coachability
This is huge and usually overlooked. Does this kid listen? Can they take instruction without getting defensive? Scouts talk to coaches. Your reputation travels.
Academics
Scouts can't recruit a player the school won't admit. A 3.5 GPA opens more doors than you think — especially at D1 programs with high academic standards. Clean transcripts = more options.
Game Video
You need quality video — not just highlights. Scouts want to see real at-bats, actual defensive plays, baserunning decisions. A well-cut highlights video matters. Bad lighting and shaky phones hurt you.
Position Fit
Does your skillset fit a need at that program? A program heavy at shortstop might recruit you as a second baseman. Understand where you project — not just where you play now.
Who Vouches for You
A cold email from a player is one thing. A call from a coach a college program respects is another level entirely. Relationships in this game are currency.
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