What scouting reports have to say about Bradley Zimmer

I can sit here and type, postulate, and make fancy GIFs all day long, but I am not a professional baseball scout, and I have only seem Zimmer play in person once. So let’s see what some true experts have to say about the Indians’ newest prospect call-up.

Just note that anything prior to 2017 may be evaluating an old swing that Zimmer recently changed.

Eric Longenhagen, FanGraphs, March 2017

• Efficient strides in outfield.
• Rare power in CF.
• Strikeout issues are a concern.

Zimmer gallivants from gap to gap using long, efficient strides and is a good defensive fit in center field. He has rare power for the position, the booming thwack of his contact only rivaled in the AFL by Eloy Jimenez and Franklin Barreto.

Link to full report

Adam Hayes, Baseball Prospectus, May 2016

• Above-average bat speed.
• Stolen base threat.
• Plus range with “accurate and strong” arm.

CF with mostly above avg tool set and avg hit tool. Former 1st round pick, tall, long-legged frame capable of manning CF. Smooth, longer bat path limits future hit tool to avg due to swing-miss tendencies and inconsistent contact.

Link to full report

MLB.com, prior to 2017 season

• Hits the ball all over the field.
• Potential for 20+ home run power.
• Draws walks well despite strikeout issues.

Zimmer possesses average-or-better tools across the board, with his power-speed combination serving as his calling card. He drives the ball across the whole field with a clean and controlled stroke from the left side, and he gets to his raw power often enough to project for 20-plus home runs at maturity. Although his strikeout rate has spiked as he's climbed the ladder, Zimmer has maintained a patient approach and continues to coax plenty of walks while reaching base at a high clip. Zimmer's above-average speed plays up because of his strong instincts, as he's proved a stolen-base threat early in his career by tallying 82 steals across his first two full seasons. Defensively, Zimmer has improved his jumps and routes in center field and should be able to stick at the position.

Link to full report

John Sickels, Minor League Ball, February 2017

• Broad range of skills.
• Above-average speed.
• Power still developing.

...above-average speed, throwing arm, and raw power he has yet to fully tap; draws walks even when having contact issues, helping his OBP; may not hit for high averages but should be strong secondary average contributor; ETA: late 2017.

Link to full report

Tony Lastoria, Indians Baseball Insider, April 2017

• Patient hitter
• Above-averge arm
• Shines on the bases

...With his athleticism, speed, defense and power you have a player who has the potential to impact the game in many different ways and could be a very good player for a long time.

Link to full report (subscription required)