Brandon Howlett
| AB | 1083 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .238 |
| OBP | .351 |
| SLG | .407 |
| HR | 34 |
- Full name Brandon Taylor Howlett
- Born 09/12/1999 in Lakeland, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Jenkins
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Drafted in the 21st round (640th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2018 (signed for $185,000).
View Draft Report
A split-camp player, Howlett has performed on big stages since he was an underclassmen and brings intriguing raw power to the table with a chance to be a solid third baseman. However he's routinely shown swing and miss issues, and wears sports goggles in-game, which raises real concern about his eyesight. He didn't throw well from the left side of the infield over the summer, but that seemed to be more injury-related than skill, as he shut things down in the offseason and then came out this spring and showed a average arm. He has the actions to stick at third base with solid hands and raw power that profiles well there, but will he ever get to it enough during games? That's the question teams will be left trying to figure out.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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TRACK RECORD: The Red Sox lured Howlett away as a later-round pick and a Florida State commitment, signing for $185,000 in 2018. Howlett dazzled in his pro debut in 2018, showing not only a surprisingly advanced offensive approach but also solid power in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. That performance, coupled with a strong spring, convinced the Sox to send Howlett to low Class A Greenville.
SCOUTING REPORT: Howlett has solid strength tools with a physically mature build for his age. Possessing plus raw power and an advanced approach, Howlett needs to be more efficient with contact. He is still quick to his front side with some effort that hinders consistent contact. While Howlett can generate hard contact now, staying on his backside will help him tap into his raw power. A third baseman now, evaluators are still not sold on his ability to stay on the dirt. Athletic with solid effort, Howlett needs work on ground ball reads as well as footwork. He has the arm for the left side but raises his slot on throws, which gives doubt to his ability to vary angles and make throws needed for the position.
THE FUTURE: Howlett had a hard time self-correcting after a precipitous second-half slide during his first year in full season ball. A return to Greenville appears most likely in 2020. -
Track Record: The Red Sox believed Howlett possessed an advanced approach and intriguing upside for a 21st-round selection, but didn’t realize those traits would become so quickly apparent in pro ball. After signing for $185,000 to pass up a Florida State commitment, Howlett had a standout debut backed by a new contact lens prescription.
Scouting Report: Howlett squared up balls frequently in his debut, showing easy home run power to the pull side and driving doubles to right-center. The ability to use all fields suggests a player who has the ability to post high averages, and Howlett has also shown considerable plate discipline, even with some swing and miss. Evaluators are split on whether he’ll stay at third or move to first base or left field, but he showed well at third in his debut and will continue to get time there.
The Future: Howlett has the upside of a middle-of-the-order run-producer, potentially at a premium position, thus making the teenager one of the potential steals of the draft thanks to his improved vision. He will be in the conversation to open 2019 at low Class A Greenville.
Draft Prospects
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A split-camp player, Howlett has performed on big stages since he was an underclassmen and brings intriguing raw power to the table with a chance to be a solid third baseman. However he's routinely shown swing and miss issues, and wears sports goggles in-game, which raises real concern about his eyesight. He didn't throw well from the left side of the infield over the summer, but that seemed to be more injury-related than skill, as he shut things down in the offseason and then came out this spring and showed a average arm. He has the actions to stick at third base with solid hands and raw power that profiles well there, but will he ever get to it enough during games? That's the question teams will be left trying to figure out.
Scouting Reports
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After a strong short-season pro debut in 2018, Howlett struggled as a 19-year-old in full-season ball and failed to impress in instructs after the canceled 2020 season. But he's rebounded with an excellent performance in High-A this year, albeit with questions about whether he'll be able to stay at third or need to move off the position. -
TRACK RECORD: The Red Sox lured Howlett away as a later-round pick and a Florida State commitment, signing for $185,000 in 2018. Howlett dazzled in his pro debut in 2018, showing not only a surprisingly advanced offensive approach but also solid power in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. That performance, coupled with a strong spring, convinced the Sox to send Howlett to low Class A Greenville.
SCOUTING REPORT: Howlett has solid strength tools with a physically mature build for his age. Possessing plus raw power and an advanced approach, Howlett needs to be more efficient with contact. He is still quick to his front side with some effort that hinders consistent contact. While Howlett can generate hard contact now, staying on his backside will help him tap into his raw power. A third baseman now, evaluators are still not sold on his ability to stay on the dirt. Athletic with solid effort, Howlett needs work on ground ball reads as well as footwork. He has the arm for the left side but raises his slot on throws, which gives doubt to his ability to vary angles and make throws needed for the position.
THE FUTURE: Howlett had a hard time self-correcting after a precipitous second-half slide during his first year in full season ball. A return to Greenville appears most likely in 2020. -
TRACK RECORD: The Red Sox lured Howlett away as a later-round pick and a Florida State commitment, signing for $185,000 in 2018. Howlett dazzled in his pro debut in 2018, showing not only a surprisingly advanced offensive approach but also solid power in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. That performance, coupled with a strong spring, convinced the Sox to send Howlett to low Class A Greenville.
SCOUTING REPORT: Howlett has solid strength tools with a physically mature build for his age. Possessing plus raw power and an advanced approach, Howlett needs to be more efficient with contact. He is still quick to his front side with some effort that hinders consistent contact. While Howlett can generate hard contact now, staying on his backside will help him tap into his raw power. A third baseman now, evaluators are still not sold on his ability to stay on the dirt. Athletic with solid effort, Howlett needs work on ground ball reads as well as footwork. He has the arm for the left side but raises his slot on throws, which gives doubt to his ability to vary angles and make throws needed for the position.
THE FUTURE: Howlett had a hard time self-correcting after a precipitous second-half slide during his first year in full season ball. A return to Greenville appears most likely in 2020.
