Scouting grades 20–80
Hitting50Hit
45Power
45Run
50Field
65Arm
Pitching55Fastball
45Slider
50Curveball
50Control
A two sport star out of Ohio, Ponatoski is committed to Kentucky to play both football and baseball, and seems content in doing so. He'll warrant a high asking price if a team is able to sign him away from his dual commitment, but his talent on the baseball field might be too much to say no.
At the plate Ponatoski employs a smooth left handed swing with a barrel that stays through the zone really well. He's got strong wrists at impact, and a knack for contact. There's an approach to all fields, and present hand speed that should translate to more power further down the line. The one critique in the offensive profile come in the ground ball rates which are extremely inflated, likely due to the flat swing plane. Ponatoski is a fringe average runner who won't add much in that regard but despite that he's a fantastic athlete. If the bat doesn't work out, Ponatoski has been up to the mid 90's on the mound with a high spin breaking ball, but scouts seem content with the offensive profile so far.
At shortstop, Ponatoski has double plus arm strength, getting up to 101 across the infield. While his range and actions might just be average, it'll be enough for him to stick on the left side of the infield long term. Teams will dream on what Ponatoski could look like if he focused just on one sport. There's traits here that suggest Ponatoski could be a early day one pick, but his signability will need to be watched.
