Mike Peabody

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #280 prospect in 2021 draft
  Peabody long stood out for his athleticism but faced questions about how much he would hit. After scuffling during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he hit .353/.481/.583 with a team-high eight home runs in the regular season to lead UC Irvine to the Big West Conference title. Peabody is an athletic, lefthanded-hitting center fielder with physicality and tools. He stands 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, is a plus runner, has an average arm and has average raw power. He has a chance to stay in center field and uses his speed better in the outfield than on the bases. Peabody’s tools are evident, but how much he will hit remains a question. He has a long swing that results in too many swings and misses and he doesn’t walk often, although he frequently gets hit by pitches. Amazingly, he had more hit-by-pitches (24) than walks (23) this spring. Peabody’s tools and improved performance this year have teams interested on the draft’s second day. How much he can cut down on his swings and misses will determine how high he rises.
• Ranked #495 prospect in 2020 draft
  Peabody intrigues scouts with his athleticism and frame even though he hasn’t consistently performed in games. A thin 6-foot-4, lefthanded-hitting center fielder, Peabody oozes potential with plus speed, an average arm and average raw power. He has a chance to stick in center field and has plenty of room to get stronger and increase his power production. Peabody knows the strike zone and has a penchant for getting hit by pitches, but he struggles to make consistent contact and doesn’t get to his power in games. He also isn’t much of a threat to steal bases despite his speed. Peabody is a candidate to return to school to work on his offensive game. His tools and profile have some clubs interested.