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2024 MLB Draft Profiles: Braden Montgomery

Dominic Gutierrez / College Baseball, MLB / June 18, 2024

2024 MLB Draft Profiles: Braden Montgomery

Continuing with these draft profiles, it’s time to look at Texas A&M product Braden Montgomery. The 21-year-old outfielder is a projected Top-10 pick in this year’s draft.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 / Power: 60 / Run: 50 / Arm: 70 / Field: 50 / Overall: 60

The arm and power stick out the most for the outfielder. The switch hitter has shown extremely raw talent with the bat. He hits much better from the left side, but scouts believe he has enough from the right side to continue switch hitting.

Montgomery has shown great barrel control and a refined eye at the plate. He struggled with chasing pitches outside the zone but has continued to improve that department.

Originally playing at Stanford, Montgomery transferred to Texas A&M and was having a monster year. He slashed .322/.454/.733 with 27 homers and 85 RBIs in 61 games this year. Unfortunately, he injured his ankle sliding into home plate, resulting in surgery and being out for the season.

Montgomery has a quick, powerful swing that spreads across the field. He easily has 30-homer potential with enough speed to bat toward the top of the lineup.

The arm is what scouts love the most. Montgomery probably has the best arm in the class with pinpoint accuracy. He spent some time on the mound, touching 97 mph. It’s unlikely he’ll attempt to be a two-way player, but that goes to show how elite the arm strength is.

He’s extremely athletic and should have no problems sticking in the outfield. Montgomery is a right fielder, but the 6’2″ height, speed, and incredible arm could see him spending time in center.

While he’ll carry the injury with him into the draft, it shouldn’t impact where he gets drafted. 2022 No. 1 overall pick Druw Jones underwent surgery just a month after being drafted. The benefit of the minor league system is it’ll give Montgomery plenty of time to rehab and get back into it.