Malachi Butler

Butler has a chance to be one of the top prep shortstops in the 2027 MLB Draft. Just 17 and 10 months old on draft day, Butler has exciting projection and tools that have continued to blossom over the past 12 months.

Butler may ultimately grow into one of the more decorated hit tools in the 2027 class. Its exceptional bat-to-ball skills and feel for barrel, burgeoned by advanced swing decisions. The swing is simple and direct to the baseball. Butler starts in a slightly wide, athletic stance with a higher hand set. It's a calm, collected move forward, Butler stays balanced well throughout his swing. The operation as a whole is quite "hitterish". While Butler has struggled with slug in the past, the bat speed has started to blossom over the past few months. Paired with his outstanding feel for getting the baseball in the air to his pullside, the over-the-fence power is starting to show up in games. Given his age and projection paired with the already polished parts of his game it's easy to dream on considerable offensive upside.

Butler can have his flashes where he looks like an above-average defensive shortstop at the next level, with good lateral range and smooth transfers. The worst case scenario is that he'll have to shift over to second or third base as he continues to mature into his frame. It's plus arm strength across the diamond. Butler checks plenty of boxes at this stage, with early first round upside for the 2027 MLB Draft.