Draft Prospect Series: Garrett Mitchell

UCLA’s star outfielder Garrett Mitchell is a 21 year old college star who was selected as a 2019 all American, and a 2020 preseason all American. After three years of constant upward progression, Mitchell enters the draft as one of the highest rated outfield prospects, likely to come off the board in the 5-15 pick range.

Mitchell significantly increased his draft stock in his 2019 (age 20) season after an incredible contact year. Although he has never been known for power — as proven by his 6 career home runs in 477 career at bats — his contact abilities and high averages have led him to be the high rated prospect he has become. He is a combination of speed, and controlled hitting, limiting his swing to be able to spray the ball throughout the field and into the gaps. In 2019 he proved this, setting the single season UCLA record for triples by hitting 12, alongside his 14 doubles on the year. Despite not being a power hitter, he kept a .566 slugging percentage on the year as a result of his constant ability to hit for extra bases, showing his all around ability to handle the bat and make up for the lack of pop.

If his hitting wasn’t impressive enough, Mitchell is also a plus fielder. He has become the everyday centerfielder for his team, and managed to play strong enough to yield him a finalist finish for the 2019 ABCA gold glove. Although he did not win the award, finishing as a finalist shows the value exists defensively, proving his all around style of play.

Headed into the draft, Mitchell is well known to have great natural talent, and is frequently considered to be a future all star. On the flip side, there have been long term concerns with his swing, making him a considerable risk to any team who drafts him. Currently it doesn’t look likely Mitchell becomes a Jay. He is more commonly projected as a 10-15 pick, and doesn’t fit the team's current wishlist. Toronto will likely turn to pitching once again come draft day with a “the sooner they’re ready, the better they are” approach. They are looking for a short term solution, and Mitchell doesn’t appear fit the script, despite being a promising player.