The Five Prospect Tools
Professional scouts evaluate players using five fundamental tools. Each tool is rated on a scale of 1-10, with 5 being major league average. Understanding these tools helps identify a player's strengths and development areas.
Speed
Glove
Bat
Power
Arm
Elite
Top 5% of players
Above Average
Top 25% of players
Average
League average
Below Average
Bottom 25%
Poor
Bottom 5%
A player's ability to run the bases and cover ground in the field
Key Evaluation Metrics
- 60-yard dash time
- Home to first base time
- Base stealing ability
- Range in the field
Performance Examples
Elite: Can steal 30+ bases, covers gap-to-gap in outfield
Good: Beats out infield hits, takes extra base on hits
Average: Runs bases well, adequate defensive range
Poor: Station-to-station runner, limited defensive range
Rating Scale Breakdown
Poor - significant limitation in mobility
Elite speed - sub 6.5 sixty, elite base stealer
Above average - good base runner, covers ground well
Average - adequate speed for position
Below average - limited range, slow runner
Defensive ability including fielding, footwork, and game awareness
Key Evaluation Metrics
- Fielding percentage
- Range factor
- Error rate
- Defensive positioning
Performance Examples
Elite: Makes diving catches look routine, anticipates plays
Good: Rarely makes errors, good first step and reads
Average: Makes expected plays, occasional mental mistake
Poor: Struggles with routine plays, poor positioning
Rating Scale Breakdown
Poor - liability in the field, frequent errors
Elite defender - Gold Glove caliber, makes spectacular plays
Above average - reliable, good instincts and hands
Average - solid fundamentals, makes routine plays
Below average - inconsistent, mechanical issues
Ability to make consistent contact and get on base
Key Evaluation Metrics
- Batting average
- On-base percentage
- Contact rate
- Plate discipline
Performance Examples
Elite: Consistently barrels balls, works deep counts
Good: Finds holes, battles with two strikes
Average: Makes contact, occasional clutch hit
Poor: High strikeout rate, poor pitch recognition
Rating Scale Breakdown
Poor - rarely makes solid contact, poor approach
Elite hitter - .350+ average, excellent plate discipline
Above average - .300+ average, good approach
Average - .250-.300 average, decent contact
Below average - sub .250, swing and miss issues
Ability to hit for extra bases and drive in runs
Key Evaluation Metrics
- Exit velocity
- Home run total
- Slugging percentage
- Extra base hits
Performance Examples
Elite: Consistent 400+ foot home runs, drives balls out to all fields
Good: Regular doubles, occasional home run threat
Average: Gap power, drives in runs in key situations
Poor: Mostly singles, rarely reaches the wall
Rating Scale Breakdown
Poor - Little to no power, sub-85 exit velocity
Elite power - 25+ HR potential, 100+ exit velocity
Above average - 15-20 HR, 95+ exit velocity
Average - 8-12 HR, 90+ exit velocity
Below average - 3-6 HR, 85+ exit velocity
Throwing velocity, accuracy, and arm strength for position
Key Evaluation Metrics
- Throwing velocity
- Pop time (catchers)
- Accuracy to bases
- Quick release
Performance Examples
Elite: Can throw runners out from their knees, cannon arm
Good: Makes strong throws across diamond, runners respect arm
Average: Gets job done, accurate on routine throws
Poor: Weak arm limits position options, runners test regularly
Rating Scale Breakdown
Poor - sub-75 MPH, very limited positionally
Elite arm - 90+ MPH, can play anywhere on field
Above average - 85+ MPH, strong and accurate
Average - 80+ MPH, adequate for most positions
Below average - 75+ MPH, limited to certain positions
Professional Evaluation
Prospect tool ratings are assigned by our experienced scouting team using standardized evaluation criteria. These ratings help coaches and scouts quickly identify player strengths and project future development potential. Tools can improve over time with proper training and development.