MLB scouts grade a player’s tools on the 20-80 scale. Since I will be referring to this system quite frequently, I figured I would simplify it and give some examples to help better understand it. While these grades follow a normal distribution and can be quantified on a bell curve, they are most commonly used subjectively and vary from scout to scout. This is my interpretation of the scale.
There are traditionally 5 tools for position players (hit, power, speed, arm, fielding) and 3 tools for pitchers (velocity, command, control). Control refers to the ability to throw strikes in a binary sense, while command refers to the ability to throw a pitch exactly where you want with the movement you want. Each pitch can also receive an individual grade that is an combination of the three.
Without further adieu, here is the grading system explained.
20: Poor
Among the worst in the league, such as David Ortiz’s speed, Ben Revere’s power, and Jamie Moyer’s fastball.
30: Well Below Average
40: Below Average
Maybe adequate enough to bench player on a decent team. A right handed starter that sits 88 with his fastball, a batter that hits 10 homers or less per year, a .230 batting average.
45: Fringe Average
50: Average
Quite literally the league average. A 90-91 MPH fastball, .265 average, 15 or so home runs per year.
55: Above Average
60: Plus
All-Star Caliber. A fastball that sits 94, .300 batting average, 25-30 home runs.
70: Plus-Plus
80: Elite
Among the best few in the league, possibly hall of fame caliber. Miguel Cabrera’s hit tool (.330+ average), Giancarlo Stanton’s power (40+ homers perennially), Dee Gordon’s speed (on pace for 81 steals in 2014), Manny Machado’s glove, Jose Bautista’s arm, Aroldis Chapman’s fastball.
There are traditionally 5 tools for position players (hit, power, speed, arm, fielding) and 3 tools for pitchers (velocity, command, control). Control refers to the ability to throw strikes in a binary sense, while command refers to the ability to throw a pitch exactly where you want with the movement you want. Each pitch can also receive an individual grade that is an combination of the three.
Without further adieu, here is the grading system explained.
20: Poor
Among the worst in the league, such as David Ortiz’s speed, Ben Revere’s power, and Jamie Moyer’s fastball.
30: Well Below Average
40: Below Average
Maybe adequate enough to bench player on a decent team. A right handed starter that sits 88 with his fastball, a batter that hits 10 homers or less per year, a .230 batting average.
45: Fringe Average
50: Average
Quite literally the league average. A 90-91 MPH fastball, .265 average, 15 or so home runs per year.
55: Above Average
60: Plus
All-Star Caliber. A fastball that sits 94, .300 batting average, 25-30 home runs.
70: Plus-Plus
80: Elite
Among the best few in the league, possibly hall of fame caliber. Miguel Cabrera’s hit tool (.330+ average), Giancarlo Stanton’s power (40+ homers perennially), Dee Gordon’s speed (on pace for 81 steals in 2014), Manny Machado’s glove, Jose Bautista’s arm, Aroldis Chapman’s fastball.