BA GRADE
55
Risk: Extreme
Born: May 20, 1998. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 185. Drafted: HS—Oklahoma City, 2017 (2nd round supplemental). Signed by: Phil Huttmann.
Uselton was a high school quarterback but gave up football in his sophomore year to pursue baseball. The move paid off when Uselton signed for $900,000 as the Pirates’ supplemental second-round pick in 2017 after hitting .467 as a senior at Southmoore High.
Uselton played both ways in high school and hit 91 mph with his fastball, but he’ll focus on the out-field as a pro. He went down with a hamstring injury in just his second game in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and never returned, but he went 3-for-5 in that game. Uselton’s swing mechanics will need extensive work in the minor leagues. There’s a lot of motion in the swing that doesn’t need to be there, he’s prone to too many strikeouts and he doesn’t have a great feel for the barrel yet. However, he also has a lot of raw power, so when he does barrel the ball, it can go a long way. Uselton has a chance to start his career in center field because he has above-average athleticism, good instincts and a decent arm.
Uselton might eventually have to move to a corner outfield spot, but if he reaches his offensive ceiling, he may still fit well in PNC Park’s spacious left field.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
AVG |
G |
AB |
R |
H |
2017 |
Pirates (GCL) |
R |
.429 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
3 |
Minor League Totals |
.429 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
3 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
2B |
3B |
HR |
RBI |
BB |
2017 |
Pirates (GCL) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Minor League Totals |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
SO |
SB |
CS |
OBP |
SLG |
2017 |
Pirates (GCL) |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.429 |
.571 |
Minor League Totals |
1 |
0 |
0 |
.429 |
.571 |
|