Scouting grades 20–80
50Hit
50Power
55Run
55Field
55Arm
Bates is an athletic 6-foot-1 shortstop with fun traits to dream on when it comes to both sides of the ball. From the left-handed side it's one of the cleaner strokes you'll find in the class. Bates stays balanced well throughout his swing with an uphill swing path that allows for some natural loft to the pull-side.
Bates will flash above-average raw power when he runs into one, though he's yet to really display that type of juice across a strong sample size in college. He'll at times struggle with making a lot of weak contact in the air, generally an issue he has against left-handed pitching especially where there is some platoon risk. It's solid-average bat-to-ball skills and a sound approach at the plate, most want to see the barrel accuracy improve as the draft approaches.
On the dirt is where Bates really shines with good lateral range and smooth, fluid actions. He excels at back-handed plays, with plenty of arm strength to make most throws across the diamond.
