The Reds select outfielder Austin Hendrick 12th overall in the 2020 MLB Draft

With the 12th pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Reds have selected outfielder Austin Hendrick out of West Allegheny High School in Imperial, California.

While he entered the 2020 Draft with a slightly lower stock thanks largely to scouts’ inability to see him play much this year, prep outfielder Austin Hendrick has still been considered one of the best outfielders in this draft class. Hendrick’s offensive calling card is his raw power which is arguably the best in the entire class. At 6’1 and 190, there might be room for a little bit more strength on his frame, but it is hardly necessary given the power displays he has already put on in high school. He is destined for a corner spot and it is likely that spot will be left field, but it is his bat that carries him regardless of the position he plays.

There are some real risks with Hendrick, though. For starters, he is an older prep draftee which some organizations already are adverse to and that combined with his struggles against higher levels of competition. It is currently unclear if he is just a kid that needs reps against better arms to eliminate the swing and miss concerns or if it could be his undoing as a pro. Make no mistake, whether he improves or not, Hendrick is going to strike out at a good clip regardless, but if he can still regularly tap into his prodigious raw power, that won’t matter very much.