Scouting grades 20–80
40Hit
50Power
65Run
50Field
55Arm
What's seen the biggest uptick for Battista over the past calendar year has been the raw power. He's added on some muscle mass to the 6-foot-1 frame, now 187 pounds, which has translated to plus bat speed readings.
That raw power was on full display at the Super 60, where Battista posted an impressive 108.5 mph max exit velocity, while also boasting an 104.1 average mark. His max exit velocity ranked 4th out of the whole event, even more impressive considering 2 of the 3 ahead of him weighed in at north of 220 lbs, more than a 30-pound difference. To go with the raw power, Battista is an excellent runner who's quick out of the box and has posted plus run times. Pair that with at least above-average arm strength, and you've got a profile some consider fit for center field long-term.
Battista will need to continue to assure scouts on the hit tool this spring, considering he doesn't possess the same track record of hitting higher-caliber arms compared to some of his peers and has struggled with strikeout woes in the past. He struck out in 22 of his 81 plate appearances his junior spring, while also hitting for a .242 average. Though those issues have seemingly improved in his summer stints, it's still a skeptic part of his profile, even with a fluid left-handed swing that looks quite "hitterish."
The tools here are endless; Battista's made that pretty clear in his showings. Now, with a coat of polish to his offensive game, it's a day one ceiling. Not to mention his commitment to the University of Chicago Illinois (UIC) will likely be an easier sign away for a team compared to an SEC powerhouse.
